Overview
- The Ropucha‑class Aleksandr Shabalin has been anchored since Sunday east of Fehmarn near the entrance to Lübecker Bucht, visible from shore on clear days.
- German authorities say the ship can remain because it sits outside territorial waters, though the Bundespolizei and Navy report they are watching it closely.
- On approach to the anchorage, the vessel was tailed by the Bundespolizei ship Bamberg and a Danish patrol boat, according to local reporting.
- The German Navy has assigned the tender Werra from Kiel to observe the area, adding to ongoing surveillance by federal police and Danish forces.
- The 112‑meter landing ship can carry roughly 340 troops and up to ten tanks, and its presence is assessed by experts as signaling near key tanker routes, with speculation about a shadow‑fleet role and no confirmed tie to September drone incidents.