U.S. NAVY SINKS RUSSIAN WARSHIP IN BALTIC SEA

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy, operating under the NATO mandate to enforce a no-fly zone over the North Atlantic, sunk a Russian warship in the North Sea on Thursday, marking a significant escalation in the conflict sparked by Russia’s invasion of Finland. The cruiser Marshal Ustinov, one of Russia’s most powerful surface combatants, was reportedly involved in launching Kalibr cruise missiles aimed at targets within Finland.

Several of these missiles breached Norwegian airspace, prompting Norway to intercept them, raising alarm across the NATO alliance about the broader implications of Russia’s military actions.

U.S. officials confirmed that the strike on the Marshal Ustinov was a measured response under NATO’s defensive posture, which aims to protect member states and maintain regional security.

The attack was carried out by aircraft from Carrier Air Wing 17 aboard the USS George Washington, currently deployed in the North Sea as part of NATO’s Operation Northern Shield.

“This action was necessary to neutralize an imminent threat to our allies,” a senior Pentagon official stated, emphasizing that the cruiser’s missile strikes not only endangered Finland but also violated the sovereignty of Norway, a NATO member.

The official added that the U.S. Navy's response was “both proportional and justified” given the circumstances. The sinking of the Marshal Ustinov underscores the high stakes of the ongoing conflict and the challenges NATO faces in balancing deterrence with the risk of further escalation.

The no-fly zone, which extends across the North Atlantic, has been a critical component of NATO’s strategy to contain the conflict and prevent Russian forces from expanding their operational reach.

Military analysts note that the loss of the Marshal Ustinov, while a blow to Russia’s naval capabilities in the region, is unlikely to deter Moscow from continuing its offensive in Finland.

However, it does send a clear signal that NATO will actively defend its airspace and support its allies in the face of aggression. As the situation develops, the international community is closely watching how Russia will respond to this significant setback, and whether NATO’s actions will successfully prevent further breaches of European airspace.