"The NRP Figueira da Foz has completed the monitoring of the Russian scientific research vessel 'Akademik Keldysh', which began on December 25th. The Navy ship left Ponta Delgada on Christmas Day to accompany and monitor the Russian scientific research vessel ", reads a statement from the Navy.

According to the Navy, the ship has a garrison of 36 soldiers and is commanded by Lieutenant Captain Pereira Eusébio, and is on a mission in the Azores Maritime Zone, "where it will be until mid-February 2024".

The Navy will continue "monitoring and accompanying the passage of this type of ship, carrying out a permanent patrol of maritime spaces under national sovereignty or jurisdiction in order to ensure that no harmful activities are carried out to the country and to promote and protect Portugal's interests at sea".

The Portuguese Navy has been accompanying several Russian ships since the beginning of the year, as they pass off the national coast.

These missions have become more frequent since the start of the war in Ukraine began on February 24, 2022.