Paris: Moscow has rejected reports that one of its submarines experienced a technical malfunction after being spotted operating on the surface off the coast of France last week. The Russian Defence Ministry insisted the vessel’s appearance was part of a routine transit, following international navigation rules.

The submarine, identified by Western defense sources as the Novorossiysk, was photographed by NATO’s Maritime Command while being monitored by a French navy frigate near the Brittany coastline. The sighting prompted widespread speculation after online reports claimed the diesel-powered vessel surfaced due to a serious fuel leak inside its hull.

A Telegram channel known for leaking Russian military information alleged that the Novorossiysk suffered a fuel leak in late September,

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