Ship-tracking websites that use the data vessels emit on their identity, position, speed and course show the Milla Moon lifted anchor off Tartus and started cruising northward along Syria's coast on Jan. 23. That was the day of the Kildin fire, also in waters off Tartus, the military officials said.

The Associated Press has obtained audio of what military officials say is a broadcast from a Russian spy ship that suffered a fire and drifted uncontrolled off Syria’s coast last month

The Kildin, a Russian spy ship, caught fire near Syria, raising concerns over Russia's naval capabilities and ongoing tensions with NATO.