Putin escalates tensions with NATO: Russia has sent an armed frigate with hypersonic Zircon missiles to the Baltic Sea, near Germany

Russia has deployed the frigate "Admiral Kasatonov," equipped with hypersonic Zircon missiles and Kalibr cruise missiles, in the Baltic Sea, near the German coast, according to The Telegraph.

The frigate, considered one of the most modern warships in the Russian fleet, was observed near the German island of Fehmarn.

This is the second combat ship sent to the Baltic Sea by Russia in recent weeks, following the destroyer "Admiral Levchenko."

The deployment of the frigate comes in the context of Vladimir Putin's threats to confiscate European vessels in response to the interception of Russian ships.

The Kremlin reacted harshly after several European states intercepted ships belonging to the phantom fleet, labeling Western plans to confiscate ships as "piracy."

Additionally, Russia is said to have installed secret bases capable of launch advanced drones near NATO territory, according to a recent investigation.