A Russian warship carried out a live-fire exercise in international waters off the southwest coast of England on Monday, prompting close monitoring by the Royal Navy on the first day of Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s administration.
The UK Ministry of Defence said the Russian vessel conducted the drill about 40 nautical miles (46 miles) from Plymouth.
British media identified the ship as the Russian Navy frigate Neustrashimy.
“The Royal Navy monitored the exercise throughout, continues to track the vessel’s activity closely and stands ready to protect UK national security,” a Defence Ministry spokesperson said.
The exercise comes amid a rise in Russian naval activity near British waters. Last month, UK authorities intercepted a Russian “shadow fleet” tanker in the English Channel for the first time.
Britain’s new Defence Secretary, Wes Streeting, condemned the exercise as “performative and irresponsible,” saying Russia’s actions reflected the wider security threats facing the UK and its allies.
Asked whether the timing of the exercise was linked to Burnham taking office, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov dismissed suggestions of a direct connection.
However, he criticised Burnham’s immediate pledge of continued support for Ukraine, saying it showed Britain intended to keep backing Kyiv and prolonging the conflict.
“That is a factor we will certainly take into account,” Peskov said.
Burnham reaffirmed Britain’s commitment to Ukraine during a phone call with President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday, promising there would be “absolutely no change” in London’s support for Kyiv or its pressure on Russia.
According to officials, the Russian vessel notified the British patrol ship HMS Tyne before beginning the live-fire exercise and requested that it move to a safer distance, which it did. The drill lasted about 30 minutes, though the type of weapons used was not disclosed.
Former British Army chief General Richard Dannatt said the exercise appeared intended to project Russian strength.
“It’s not entirely by happenstance that the Russian warship chose to carry out a live-fire exercise on the same day Andy Burnham became prime minister,” he said.
“This is an indication from the Kremlin that we’re here and we’re powerful.”
The incident follows another confrontation in June, when a Russian frigate fired warning shots near a yacht in the English Channel. Former Prime Minister Keir Starmer described that episode as “deeply concerning,” although the UK Defence Ministry later said the shots were not aimed at the British vessel but were intended to prevent a possible collision.
The Royal Navy says it has intensified patrols in recent months as Russian naval activity around UK waters continues to increase.
