Key facts
- The Royal Navy monitored four Russian vessels for three days last week.
- The operation involved HMS Duncan, HMS St Albans, HMS Severn, and a Merlin helicopter.
- The Russian destroyer Admiral Levchenko and two sanctioned cargo vessels were observed.
- Russia deployed the Neustrashimy frigate to escort the Russian vessels.
- The First Sea Lord warned of unacceptable risks from shadow fleet vessels to UK security.
The Royal Navy conducted an intensive 72-hour operation last week, tracking four Russian vessels, including the destroyer Admiral Levchenko and two sanctioned cargo ships, as they navigated through UK waters from the North Sea into the Channel. The surveillance involved HMS Duncan, HMS St Albans, HMS Severn, and a Merlin helicopter. Russia responded by deploying its frigate Neustrashimy to escort the convoy.
First Sea Lord Gen Gwyn Jenkins emphasized the ongoing threat posed by sanctioned "shadow fleet" vessels, stating they present an unacceptable risk to UK security and force Russia to divert naval resources. He indicated the UK and its allies are prepared to act again if necessary.
This operation follows a recent warning from the Royal Navy about increased Russian maritime activity. In July, the navy monitored Russian ships for 21 days, a 25% increase year-on-year, with frequent observations in the Dover Strait and North Sea. In June, Royal Marines boarded and seized the Russian tanker Smyrtos, the first direct boarding of a sanctioned shadow fleet vessel.
The Kremlin has issued threats against the UK, particularly after Prime Minister Andy Burnham's visit to Kyiv, during which he pledged further military support, including blueprints for long-range missiles. Despite Western efforts to downplay direct conflict with NATO, Russia has accused the UK and its allies of escalating tensions. Andrei Fedorov, a former Russian foreign minister, has not ruled out "semi-military" actions against Britain in retaliation, suggesting potential attacks on British drone factories from unspecified sources.