A Russian naval vessel carried out a rare live-fire weapons exercise off the British coast on Monday, according to the UK’s Ministry of Defense, on the first day of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s tenure.
The vessel, identified by British media as the “Neustrashimy,” conducted the exercise in international waters approximately 40 nautical miles (around 46 miles) from Plymouth, a port city in Devon, southwest England.
“The Royal Navy monitored that exercise throughout, continues to track the vessel’s activity closely and stands ready to protect UK national security,” a Ministry of Defense spokesperson told CNN.
The incident occurred as Burnham assumed office, and amid increased Russian naval activity near the UK coastline in recent months. Last month, the UK intercepted a Russian “shadow fleet” tanker in the English Channel for first time.
Burnham vowed on Monday to continue “bearing down” on Russia in a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. On the call, Burnham reaffirmed the UK’s “resolute commitment to the people of Ukraine and underscored that there would be absolutely no change in the UK’s approach, including when it came to bearing down on Russia,” his spokesperson said.
Moscow has repeatedly warned the UK and other Kyiv allies over their support for Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of the country in 2022.
Before Monday’s maneuver, the Russian ship informed HMS Tyne – a British patrol vessel – of its intention to conduct live-fire activity, CNN understands. It is not know what type of weapons were used.
CNN also understands the Russian vessel asked HMS Tyne to move to a safer distance, which it did. The exercise lasted for 30 minutes.
Russia’s Ministry of Defense did not immediately comment on the reports.
It is not the first time the presence of a Russian ship near the UK coastline has sparked alarm. Last month, a Russian warship fired warning shots near a yacht in the English Channel, with former Prime Minister Keir Starmer calling the incident “deeply concerning.”
“That shouldn’t have happened. It is reckless, and the couple on the yacht must’ve been terrified,” Starmer said in June. A UK Defense Ministry spokesperson later said the warning shots were not aimed at the UK vessel but were “an attempt to prevent a possible collision.”
Russian frigate that fired warning shots at British yacht was ‘reckless,’ says UK PM Starmer
Speaking about the recent movements of Russian warships near British waters, Royal Navy Fleet Commander, Vice Admiral Steve Moorhouse, said in June: “In recent months, the Royal Navy has worked tirelessly to safeguard UK waters in response to increased Russian naval activity.”
“Our sailors, ships and aircraft have maintained a constant watch, helping to protect the UK’s security and reassure our allies,” Moorhouse added.
