On Monday, a Russian naval ship conducted an unusual live-fire exercise near the British coast, as reported by the UK’s Ministry of Defence, coinciding with the first day of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s administration.
The British media identified the ship as the “Neustrashimy,” which performed the exercise in international waters roughly 40 nautical miles (about 46 miles) off the coast of Plymouth, a port located in the southwest of England.
A spokesperson from the Ministry of Defence informed USdaily, “The Royal Navy observed the exercise throughout and is closely monitoring the vessel’s activities, remaining prepared to safeguard UK national security.”
This event took place as Burnham took office and followed a rise in Russian naval operations near the UK coastline over the past few months. The UK intercepted a Russian “shadow fleet” tanker in the English Channel for the first time last month.
When addressing a question about the Russian ship’s recent actions, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov referenced Burnham’s backing of Kyiv on Tuesday.
In response to whether Burnham’s appointment was connected to the timing of Monday’s exercise, Peskov told journalists there was “no need to infer anything from this.”
However, he remarked, “Clearly, the new British prime minister’s arrival… He immediately declared unwavering support for Ukraine. Thus, it suggests Britain’s commitment to continue doing everything possible to prolong the conflict.”
“This is a consideration we will certainly factor in,” Peskov stated.
On the same day, Burnham promised to keep “pressing” on Russia during a phone conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. During the call, Burnham reiterated the UK’s “strong commitment to the people of Ukraine and emphasized that there would be no alterations in the UK’s stance, particularly regarding actions against Russia,” according to his spokesperson.
Since Russia commenced its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Moscow has repeatedly cautioned the UK and other allies of Kyiv regarding their support for Ukraine.
Prior to the exercise on Monday, the Russian vessel notified HMS Tyne, a British patrol ship, about its plans for a live-fire drill, as per USdaily’s information. The type of weapons utilized during the exercise remains unclear.
According to USdaily, the Russian ship also requested HMS Tyne to move to a safer distance, which it complied with. The live-fire exercise lasted for half an hour.
The Russian defense ministry has not provided an immediate response to these reports.
This is not the first instance of a Russian ship causing concern near the UK’s shores. Recently, a Russian warship discharged warning shots near a yacht in the English Channel, an event that former Prime Minister Keir Starmer described as “deeply alarming.”
“Such an occurrence should not have taken place. It is reckless, and the couple aboard the yacht must have been terrified,” Starmer commented in June. A spokesperson for the UK defense ministry subsequently stated that the warning shots were not directed at the UK vessel but were “an attempt to avert a potential collision.”
Regarding the recent activities of Russian warships near British waters, Royal Navy Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Steve Moorhouse stated in June: “The Royal Navy has been diligently working to protect UK waters in response to heightened Russian naval operations.”
“Our sailors, vessels, and aircraft have been on constant alert, contributing to the security of the UK and providing reassurance to our allies,” Moorhouse added.
USdaily’s Anna Chernova contributed reporting.
