I Spy: Are US and Canada Keeping Track of Russian Intel Ship Near North American Coast?

04:51 GMT, 18 December 2019

The Russian vessel previously drew the attention of the American media, with CNN claiming it is carrying out operations in a dangerous way, refusing to use its navigating lights or answer other vessels, however, the US military stressed that the warship has every right to conduct its operations, citing the freedom of navigation.

Sputnik

North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) - a combined organisation between the United States and Canada - stated on Tuesday that it is closely following the activity of the Russian ship Victor Leonov, which is now travelling near the American coast.

Victor Leonov is one of seven intelligence collection ships of the Russian Navy. It belongs to the Vishnya class (also known as the Meridian class) and is equipped with various sensors for data gathering.