Increased activity in and near British waters has seen the Royal Navy busier than ever tracking Russian Navy vessels, with a trio of vessels called into action last week.
Type 45 destroyer HMS Duncan, Type 23 frigate HMS St Albans and River-class offshore patrol vessel HMS Severn were all tasked with monitoring Russian vessels in the Channel across the course of three days.
As per a Royal Navy press statement, to date in 2026 activations to monitor Russian vessels have surged 25% compared with the first eight months of 2025.
Last week a Merlin helicopter embarked on HMS St Albans joined the three vessels as they used their radars and sensors to monitor two Russian Navy warships — destroyer Admiral Levchenko and frigate Neustrashimy — escorting a tanker and sanctioned cargo ships through the Channel.
Meanwhile another Royal Navy OPV, HMS Mersey, was shadowing replenishment vessel Akademik Pashin, sailing nearby.
First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins commented: “The interception of the Smyrtos was a clear demonstration that the U.K. and Royal Navy will act against those who seek to evade sanctions to fund Russia’s egregious war on Ukraine.
“Since that successful operation, we have seen Russian shadow fleet vessels increasingly forced to change their routes, imposing significant cost and delays to their journeys.
“Alongside our allies, this approach is forcing Moscow to divert Russian warships away from their core purpose. That is because Russia knows we stand ready to act again, should it be required.”
- You can read more details on the Royal Navy website
