The air defense and command frigate HNLMS De Ruyter escorted two Russian ships that sailed past the Netherlands October 8. It was the Soobrazitelny, a small warship of the Russian navy, and the oil tanker General Skobolev.
Both ships have entered the so-called exclusive economic zone (EEZ) north of the Netherlands.
Although this is permitted, Defence prefers to keep an eye on them. The North Sea contains vital infrastructure, such as data cables and pipelines.
The escort along the Dutch coast went without incident.
South of the Netherlands, the Russian vessels left the EEZ again.