A Russian warship conducted a live artillery exercise approximately 46 miles off the coast of Plymouth, UK. The frigate, Neustrashimy, was closely monitored by a Royal Navy vessel as it carried out the gunnery activity in international waters on Monday. Prior to the exercise, the Russian frigate informed HMS Tyne, the Royal Navy Offshore Patrol Vessel, about its intentions.
The Russian warship requested HMS Tyne to maintain a safe distance during the military drill. French military aircraft also reportedly monitored the frigate during the exercise. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson confirmed that the Royal Navy tracked the entire exercise and remains vigilant to ensure UK national security.
This incident reflects a pattern of increased Russian activity near UK waters in recent months. In a separate event last month, Royal Marine Commandos boarded a Russian oil tanker in the English Channel. The operation, involving the RAF and National Crime Agency, led to the interception and boarding of the vessel named Smyrtos, with 24 crew members from Georgia and India onboard.
Following the incident, Keir Starmer emphasized the operation’s success in countering Russian actions. Additionally, a retired British couple aboard a yacht, Bright Future, were targeted by a Russian warship while sailing from the south coast of England towards France. The Russian vessel fired warning shots near the Isle of Wight, outside UK territorial waters, in an attempt to prevent a possible collision.
The Ministry of Defence clarified that the shots were not aimed directly at the yacht but were a precautionary measure. These recent events underscore the ongoing tensions and challenges posed by Russian naval activities in international waters.
