Why shadowing Kirov became a political problem

NATO shadowing of Soviet ships through waters such as the English Channel had purposes beyond watching for an imminent missile attack. Concern centered on alleged Soviet covert activity during unobserved transits. Ships could put divers near undersea systems, conduct transfers at sea, or send boats carrying people toward a coast. These are possible activities motivating surveillance, without a specific incident being established in this passage. An offshore patrol vessel could carry out the observation, yet a photograph beside a giant Soviet cruiser could make the escort look inadequate. Political pressure therefore encouraged a larger escort, usually a frigate, even though that too could appear small. Western newspaper coverage of the size difference could assist Soviet propaganda among potential allies and neutrals as well as the public in opposing countries.