Russian military spy ship spotted just miles off US coast as authorities release update

The US Coast Guard say that they detected a Russian military spy ship operating close to the US.

The ship was found to be 15 nautical miles south of Oahu, Hawaii, on October 29.

The Coast Guard has been actively monitoring the vessel (a Vishnya-class intelligence ship) ever since.

It said in a statement issued on Thursday, November 13: "A Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules from Air Station Barbers Point and the Coast Guard Cutter William Hart (WPC 1134) responded to the Russian Federation Navy Auxiliary General Intelligence ship Kareliya, a Vishnya-class intelligence ship, by conducting a safe and professional overflight and transiting near the vessel.

"Acting in accordance with international law, Coast Guard personnel are monitoring the Russian vessel’s activities near U.S. territorial waters to provide maritime security for U.S. vessels operating in the area and to support U.S. homeland defense efforts."

The Russian military spy ship is being monitored (US Coast Guard)

Capt. Matthew Chong, chief of response, Coast Guard Oceania District, was quoted: "The U.S. Coast Guard routinely monitors maritime activity around the Hawaiian Islands and throughout the Pacific to ensure the safety and security of U.S. waters.

"Working in concert with partners and allies, our crews monitor and respond to foreign military vessel activity near our territorial waters to protect our maritime borders and defend our sovereign interests."

The Russian ship was cutting it fine in terms of stepping into American territory as international law allows foreign military ships to transit outside other nations' territorial seas, which extend up to 12 nautical miles from shore.

The move by the Russian military comes amid tensions between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, largely over nuclear warfare.

Trump and Putin have been on bad terms for some time (ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images)

Earlier this month Putin ordered officials to submit proposals for a possible resumption of nuclear tests after Trump appeared to suggest the US will restart its own atomic tests.

"Because of other countries testing programs, I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis," the POTUS said on October 30.

Russia will only start nuclear testing again if the US does so first, Putin claims. He directed the defence and foreign ministries and other government agencies to analyse Washington’s intentions and work out proposals for resuming nuclear weapons tests, however.

Per the BBC, no country except North Korea has conducted a nuclear test explosion in this century, according to the Arms Control Association (ACA) — and hopefully it stays that way.