UK navy intercepts Russian corvette and tanker as Moscow steps up naval activity
LONDON — The U.K. has reported an increase in Russian naval activity around its waters, with a patrol ship intercepting a Russian corvette and tanker in the English Channel, according to the Defense Ministry. The ministry stated that Russian naval activity near U.K. waters has risen by 30% over the past two years.
Over the past two weeks, the patrol ship HMS Severn tracked and intercepted the Russian corvette RFN Stoikiy and tanker Yelnya as they navigated through the English Channel. Monitoring duties were later transferred to an unidentified NATO ally off the coast of Brittany.
In response to the increased Russian naval presence, Britain has deployed three Poseidon surveillance aircraft to Iceland as part of a NATO mission to patrol for Russian ships and submarines in the North Atlantic and Arctic, the ministry confirmed.
These developments follow recent reports of a Russian spy ship aiming lasers at surveillance aircraft off the coast of Scotland. Defense Secretary John Healey condemned the actions as “reckless and dangerous,” emphasizing that Britain is prepared to defend its territory against any threats.
Healey warned Russia to cease its provocative behavior, stating, “We see you. We know what you’re doing.” In response, the Russian Embassy in London accused the British government of exaggerating the situation and denied any intention to jeopardize U.K. security.
As the government prepares to release its new budget, Healey called for increased defense spending to address growing threats from Russia, China, and Iran. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged significant military spending hikes, but faces challenges in balancing the budget through potential tax increases and spending cuts to address a substantial financial shortfall.
