The Royal Navy spent three days tracking Russian ships as they moved through UK waters, it has been revealed.
The “intense” 72-hour operation took place last week, using radar to monitor four vessels traveling from the North Sea into the English Channel.
The ships were watched by HMS Duncan, HMS St Albans, and HMS Severn, with a Merlin helicopter providing backup, according to officials.
The Russian destroyer Admiral Levchenko was seen escorting the cargo ships General Skobelev and Sparta—both under sanctions—toward Dover.
In response, Russia deployed its own military assets, including the Neustrashimy frigate, to guard the shipment.
Admiral Gen Gwyn Jenkins, the First Sea Lord, said there was “no room for complacency” as shadow fleet vessels continued to pose “an unacceptable risk” to UK security.
“Alongside our allies, this approach is forcing Moscow to divert Russian warships away from their core purpose,” he said. “That is because Russia knows we stand ready to act again, should it be required.”
The Royal Navy recently warned of growing Russian activity in UK waters. In July, it spent 21 days monitoring Russian ships—a 25% increase from the previous year. Officials say they have repeatedly spotted warships in the Dover Strait and the North Sea.
In June, the Royal Marines seized the Russian tanker Smyrtos, marking the first time British troops directly boarded a shadow fleet vessel, one of over 500 that the UK has sanctioned.
The Kremlin has threatened the UK after Andy Burnham visited Kyiv this week in his first overseas trip as prime minister. During the visit, Burnham said the UK would provide military support to Ukraine, including blueprints for components of long-range Scalp missiles.
While Western officials have tried to downplay the risk of direct conflict between Russia and NATO, the Kremlin has accused the UK and its allies of “playing with fire” over their continued support for Ukraine.
Andrei Fedorov, a former Russian foreign minister, said he could not “100% exclude” the possibility of “semi-military” action against Britain in retaliation, raising the prospect of attacks on British drone factories from “unknown sources.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Here is a list of FAQs about the Royal Navy tracking Russian vessels in UK waters written in a natural tone with clear direct answers
General Background
1 What exactly happened with the Russian ships
Russian naval vessels were spotted operating in the UKs Exclusive Economic Zone and at times in waters near British coastlines The Royal Navy deployed ships and aircraft to monitor them continuously for three days ensuring they didnt enter UK territorial waters illegally or pose a threat
2 Is this a common occurrence
Yes its actually quite routine Russian military aircraft and ships regularly pass near UK waters The Royal Navy and RAF intercept and escort them almost every week The three days part just means this particular group stayed longer than usual
3 Did the Russian ships do anything wrong
Not necessarily Under international law foreign warships are allowed to pass through an EEZ without asking permission The issue is that these transits are often seen as saberrattling or intelligencegathering missions The UKs job is to watch them closely to make sure they dont cross the 12nauticalmile territorial limit
The Royal Navys Role Tactics
4 How does the Royal Navy actually track a ship
They use a combination of methods
Surface ships Destroyers or frigates sail alongside the Russian vessels
Aircraft Planes like the P8 Poseidon submarine hunters fly overhead to get a birdseye view
Radar Sonar They use advanced sensors to track the ships and any submarines that might be lurking underneath
Satellites For wider persistent surveillance
5 Why dont they just sink them or tell them to leave
Because they havent broken the law The Royal Navys job is to deter aggression and maintain safety not to start a conflict Escorting them is a show of force and vigilance It reassures the public and allies that the UK is in control without escalating the situation to a military confrontation
6 What does escorting a vessel actually look like
It usually means a Royal Navy warship will pull up alongside the Russian ship matching its speed and course
