USA: Russian ship was in international waters

A Russian spy ship is patrolling the coast of Hawaii but has so far remained in international waters, the Pentagon said on Thursday. While the appearance of a Russian surveillance ship along the US coast has received more attention due to rising tensions between the US and Russia over Moscow's invasion of Ukraine and veiled threats to use nuclear weapons. The Vishnya-class surveillance ship Kareliya was under US surveillance

The Coast Guard has been sailing near Hawaii for the past few weeks. "I can't explain why the Russians are sailing the ship right now, it's a precarious time," Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said. 

He said the Coast Guard is still monitoring the ship, which operates in international waters. "We have seen no unsafe or unprofessional behavior and expect Russians to operate in the region in accordance with international law," Singh said. In video posted to Twitter by the Coast Guard, the vessel appears to be being towed by another vessel or in supply mode.

"US Indo-Pacific Command monitors Russian ships operating in international waters in the western Pacific," the Pentagon said in a statement. "Since Russia is operating in the region, it is expected to do so in accordance with international law.