A Russian naval vessel conducted a live-fire exercise approximately 46 miles from the port of Plymouth. The frigate Neustrashimy performed the artillery drill under the watch of a Royal Navy ship on Monday. Prior to the exercise, the Russian frigate informed the Royal Navy Offshore Patrol Vessel, HMS Tyne, of its intentions. The gunfire lasted about half an hour and occurred in international waters.
The Russian warship requested HMS Tyne to move to a safer distance before commencing the military drill. Additionally, a French military aircraft was reportedly monitoring the frigate at the time. The Ministry of Defence stated that the Royal Navy closely monitored the exercise and remains vigilant in safeguarding UK national security.
This incident reflects the escalating Russian presence in UK’s surrounding waters in recent months. In a separate event, Royal Marine Commandos boarded a Russian “shadow fleet” oil tanker for six hours in the English Channel on June 14. The operation, with support from the RAF and National Crime Agency, saw Marines intercept and board the vessel named Smyrtos with 24 crew members from Georgia and India on board.
Following the incident, Keir Starmer condemned the Russian actions, emphasizing the UK’s stance against aggression. Moreover, 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, as a precaution against a potential collision, according to the MoD.