CryptoNewsHub Staff | November 14, 2025 – 08:17 CET

Average Read Time: ~2 minutes

The United States Coast Guard (USCG) confirmed that it closely monitored a Russian intelligence vessel operating just outside U.S. territorial waters near Hawaii late last month. The incident, disclosed in an official USCG statement, involved a Vishnya-class signals intelligence ship — the Kareliya — detected approximately 15 nautical miles south of Oʻahu on 29 October.

According to the USCG, an HC-130 Hercules surveillance aircraft and the Cutter William Hart were dispatched to the area, where they conducted what the service described as a “safe and professional overflight” and monitored the vessel’s movements as it transited international waters. Officials emphasized that the encounter remained non-confrontational.

Within International Law

The Coast Guard underscored that the Russian ship was operating outside the U.S. territorial limit, which extends 12 nautical miles from the coastline. Under customary international maritime law, military vessels are permitted to navigate and operate in a coastal state’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), provided they do not violate sovereignty.

Similar sightings of Russian military and intelligence ships have occurred periodically in the Pacific, particularly near Hawaii, home to the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command (INDOPACOM). Analysts note that Russian naval intelligence vessels frequently conduct long-range deployments to observe U.S. military activity and communications in the region — a practice heightened during periods of geopolitical tension.

Strategic Context

The presence of the Kareliya comes at a time of intensified military posturing among major powers, with increased surveillance activity by Russia, China, and the United States across the Indo-Pacific. While such encounters are not unprecedented, they remain closely watched due to the sensitivity of the region, which hosts key U.S. naval and air assets.

U.S. officials stressed that the Coast Guard will continue monitoring foreign vessels operating near American waters as part of routine maritime security operations.

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