From Iceland — Russian Navy Conducting "Exercises" Near Snæfellsnes

Russian Navy Conducting “Exercises” Near Snæfellsnes

Published April 1, 2017

Andie Sophia Fontaine
Photo by
Reader submitted photo

Grapevine has confirmed reader tips that the Russian Navy appears to be conducting exercises just north of Grundarfjörður, in Snæfellsnes.

The news comes just days after Russian President Vladimir Putin met with Icelandic President Guðni Th. Jóhannesson and “jokingly” offered to lend Russia’s military to Iceland.

Russian military vehicles have come close to Iceland before. As reported, two unidentified Russian bomber airplanes, probably Tupolev Tu-22Ms, flew directly under an Icelandic passenger jet traveling from Keflavik to Stockholm last September.

The nature of the exercises is at this time unknown. No munitions have been fired, but the ships are reportedly sailing in different circular formations. The Icelandic Coast Guard has not as yet responded, raising questions as to whether the Icelandic government was privy to these operations beforehand and simply neglected to inform the public, as is customary to do.

The Grapevine will keep readers updated on developments as they arise.

Support The Reykjavík Grapevine!
Buy subscriptions, t-shirts and more from our shop right here!

Show Me More!