Russian media is now reporting that a fire on nuclear submarine K-84 Ekaterinburg when it was undergoing repairs in Murmansk last December might have been more serious than what was let on. Norwegian pollution and environmental officials had weeks ago condemned Russia’s failure to issue warnings of a possible nuclear accident.
Norway and Russia have an agreement in place to warn each other of events potentially causing radioactive emissions. Russian official position has been that the vessel was not carrying weapons when she was dry-docked for repairs. Liberal press is claiming otherwise. Winds at the time would have put Norway at risk, should there have been a leakage.
When nuclear submarine K-141 Kursk sank after an explosion in the Barents Sea in 2000, neighbouring countries were quickly aware of the event. Norwegian offers for help in rescue attempt were initially rebuffed and President Putin did not seem overly concerned about the incident at the time, which was something he was heavily criticized about later.
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