The Russian frigate Neustrashimy has been spotted off the coast of Plymouth, sparking concerns about Russian naval activity in UK waters. The warship was seen passing through international waters in the Channel, not entering UK or French territories.
The incident comes as part of a larger pattern of Russian ships being seen near the UK. In June, a 'shadow fleet' oil tanker was spotted in the Channel, prompting a six-hour operation by Royal Marine Commandos. The tanker was boarded and escorted out of the area.
Russian warships regularly pass through international waters in the Channel, and the UK's Ministry of Defence has been keeping a close eye on their movements. In May, a Russian frigate was watched by patrol ships for an entire month as it sailed through the North Sea.
The Russian Navy has been accused of making reckless decisions, including firing warning shots at a yacht in the English Channel. The incident occurred in June, when a retired couple clashed with the Admiral Grigorovich frigate. The couple claimed they were not on a collision course and were simply trying to avoid the warship, but the Russian Navy said they came within 150 metres.
The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between the UK and Russia. The UK's Defence Secretary has called out Russia's 'performative' actions, and the Royal Navy has been working to monitor Russian naval activity in the region.
The Russian frigate Neustrashimy was reportedly informed of its intentions to fire by the HMS Tyne, a Royal Navy Offshore Patrol Vessel. A French military aircraft also made radio contact with the warship and asked those on board to clarify its intentions. The HMS Tyne was asked to move to a safer distance while the exercise took place, lasting 30 minutes.
This incident is not an isolated occurrence. In June, a Russian frigate was watched by patrol ships for an entire month as it sailed through the North Sea. The UK's Ministry of Defence has been keeping a close eye on Russian naval activity in the region.
The Russian Navy's actions have been met with criticism from the UK's Defence Secretary, who called out Russia's 'performative' actions. The Royal Navy has been working to monitor Russian naval activity in the region, and the UK's Ministry of Defence has been keeping a close eye on their movements.
