Royal Navy Shadows Russian Warships in Tense Channel Standoff
So, this story has been unfolding over the past couple of weeks, and it’s one of those moments where you really get a sense of just how active and alert the UK’s defense forces have had to be lately. The Royal Navy has once again been pressed into action, this time intercepting two Russian vessels as they made their way through the English Channel. The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the patrol ship HMS Severn was sent out to shadow the Russian corvette RFN Stoikiy and the tanker Yelnya as they moved westward through the Dover Strait.
Now, this isn’t an isolated incident—it’s just the latest in a series of encounters involving Russian ships edging into or near UK waters. In fact, just last week there was a separate situation where the Russian spy ship Yantar had been spotted off the coast of Scotland. And that one caused even more concern because lasers were reportedly directed at RAF pilots who were monitoring its movements. Defence Secretary John Healey didn’t mince words at all. He called the laser use “deeply dangerous” and made a very pointed statement directed at Russia and Vladimir Putin: “We see you. We know what you’re doing. We are ready.” It gives you an idea of the rising tension behind these maritime encounters.
Also Read:The MoD also highlighted something that adds more weight to the situation—a 30% increase in Russian vessels threatening UK waters over the last two years. So, when HMS Severn shadowed the Stoikiy and the Yelnya, it wasn’t just routine; it was part of a growing pattern. After monitoring them through the Channel, Severn eventually handed off the duty to a NATO ally near the coast of Brittany. Even then, it stayed nearby to keep an eye on things and remained ready to respond if anything unexpected happened.
Interestingly, this wasn’t even the Stoikiy’s first appearance in the area this year. Back in May, the Royal Navy had dispatched multiple assets, including the 814 Naval Air Squadron—the “flying tigers”—to track it as it headed toward the Baltic Sea. With each incident, the UK has been ramping up its vigilance, even modifying rules of engagement so that suspicious vessels like the Yantar can be followed more closely within wider UK waters.
All of this really shows how the geopolitical landscape is shifting. Increased Russian marine activity isn't just affecting Ukraine or Eastern Europe; it’s pressing right up against the UK’s doorstep. And through all these developments, the Royal Navy and RAF have been keeping constant watch—from the English Channel all the way to the High North—making sure any potential threats are identified and managed before they turn into something more serious.
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