Russia says submarine passage in PHL EEZ lawful

Russia's embassy in Manila stated that its submarine's passage through the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) in the South China Sea did not violate international law, citing the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, reiterated that under UNCLOS, submarines have freedom of navigation on the high seas, provided they respect the coastal state's sovereign rights and jurisdiction.

The submarine, identified as the Ufa 490, maintained lawful speed on the surface and did not enter Philippine territorial waters, according to Russian officials.

The Russian submarine maintained radio contact with Philippine authorities, demonstrating it had no "unscrupulous intentions."

The Armed Forces of the Philippines confirmed the detection of the Ufa 490 in Occidental Mindoro on November 28, before it surfaced in the West Philippine Sea.

Philippine officials confirmed that the Russian submarine identified itself to the Philippine Navy, indicating it was on its way back to Vladivostok after participating in naval drills with Malaysia.

Despite assurances, the submarine's presence 80 nautical miles off Mindoro province raised concerns among Philippine officials, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

The submarine was detected on the surface due to 'weather-related' conditions, according to the National Security Council.