In the midst of tensions over Ukraine , a Russian anti-submarine destroyer chased a U.S. submerged vessel near the Kuril Islands.

A Pentagon spokesperson, when asked by AFP to comment, stated that he was aware of media reports about an alleged incident in the Pacific. These reports are not confirmed at the moment.

Senior administration officials said that they did not have any additional information regarding the incident.

According to the Russian defense ministry, a U.S. Navy Virginia class submarine was detected in Russian territorial waters close to the Kuril Islands.

The crew of the frigate used appropriate means to get the submarine to surface. However, the U.S. submarine continued its journey at full speed without any further information, according the ministry.

According to the ministry, it also stated that it summoned the U.S. defence attache in Moscow regarding the incident.

The defense ministry stated that the U.S. Navy sub violated the Russian Federation’s state border.

Since the Soviet troops seized them in the last days of World War II, Moscow has controlled the Kurils, located north of Japan’s Hokkaido. It took place close to the Kuril island in Urup.

This was amid rising tensions between Russia & the West, which have seen Moscow surround Ukraine from three sides with more that 100,000 troops. Washington warned that an all out invasion could occur “anyday.”

Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned Saturday’s claims as “provocation”.

U.S. U.S. Officials from the United States warn that a Russian invasion could occur ” at any moment“.

In light of the Russian military buildup at Ukraine’s borders, Mr. Biden stressed to Putin on a telephone call that an invasion would cause widespread human suffering and lower Russia’s standing.

The U.S. State Department has ordered non emergency employees to leave the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv (Ukraine).