Fact Check: "Boikiy's actions are 'very, very uncommon' for Russian naval vessels."
What We Know
The Russian corvette Boikiy recently passed through the English Channel while broadcasting a fake ID signal, an action that has been described as "very, very uncommon" for Russian naval vessels. This incident was reported by multiple sources, including a detailed investigation by BBC Verify and coverage from The Telegraph. The Boikiy was traveling alongside two oil tankers, the Sierra and the Naxos, which are part of Russia's "shadow fleet"—a network of vessels used to transport sanctioned oil products while obscuring their ownership.
Experts in naval operations, such as Frederik Van Lokeren, an analyst and former officer in the Belgian navy, noted that Russian vessels typically opt to turn off their Automatic Identification System (AIS) to remain hidden, rather than disguise themselves with false identities. This method of camouflaging as another vessel is not standard practice for the Russian navy, making the Boikiy's actions particularly noteworthy (BBC Verify, The Telegraph).
Analysis
The claim that Boikiy's actions are "very, very uncommon" is supported by expert testimony and corroborated by the unusual nature of the incident itself. According to BBC Verify, the Boikiy's use of a fake ID signal while traveling with sanctioned oil tankers is a significant deviation from typical Russian naval behavior, which usually involves simply turning off AIS to avoid detection.
The credibility of the sources reporting on this incident is high. BBC Verify is known for its rigorous fact-checking and investigative journalism, while The Telegraph is a reputable news outlet with a history of covering military and geopolitical issues. The analysis provided by experts like Dmitry Gorenburg and Frederik Van Lokeren adds further weight to the claim, as they have relevant expertise in naval operations and Russian military behavior.
The context of this incident is also crucial. The use of military vessels to escort sanctioned oil tankers suggests a strategic shift in Russia's approach to protecting its maritime interests, particularly in response to increased scrutiny and sanctions from Western nations. This behavior aligns with the broader patterns of military engagement observed in recent months, making the Boikiy's actions not only uncommon but also indicative of a changing tactical landscape (KyivPost, Army Recognition).
Conclusion
Verdict: True
The assertion that Boikiy's actions are "very, very uncommon" for Russian naval vessels is substantiated by expert analysis and the unusual nature of the incident itself. The decision to use a fake ID signal rather than simply turning off AIS is a notable deviation from standard Russian naval practices, reinforcing the claim's validity.
