CLOSE ENCOUNTER
HMS Westminster scrambled to intercept fleet of Russian navy ships in English Channel
The incident is the latest off stand-offs in which Russia has tested Britain's patience by sending ships into UK waters
THE Royal Navy Frigate HMS Westminster was sent to intercept Russian naval ships sailing through the English Channel.
It is the latest in a series of incidents in which Russia has tested the UK's patience by sending its ships into British waters.
2
The Portsmouth-based Type 23 frigate was activated on Friday to keep watch on two Russian warships and two supporting vessels.
It remained at sea to keep track of the two Steregushchiy-class frigates Soobrazitelny and Boiky.
Commander Simon Kelly, the Commanding Officer of HMS Westminster, said: “HMS Westminster’s role as the Royal Navy’s Fleet Ready Escort is to be at very high readiness to respond to anything the British government requires.
“While today most people are returning to work for the first time in the New Year, HMS Westminster’s ship’s company has been at sea and at readiness as part of the Royal Navy’s commitment to keep Britain safe at all times.
2
“The English Channel is an absolute lifeline for the UK, and it is very important HMS Westminster and the Royal Navy maintains a watchful eye on this key strategic link.”
The four Russian ships are believed to be returning to the Baltic after operations in the Middle East.
In November last year, 8,000-ton Russian destroyer Vice Admiral Kulakov was escorted from UK waters while returning from the eastern Mediterranean, where it had been supporting Russia's campaign in Syria.
The mighty anti-submarine destroyer Vice-Admiral Kulakov was spotted steaming through the Dover Strait without permission.
most read in news
Following the approach of the 7,900-tonne warship, the Royal Navy deployed one of its own Type 23 frigates to intercept it.
The destroyer was also shadowed by HMS Somerset from the same position in the Moray Firth in March 2016 on its way to the Med.
It is believed to be at least the fifth time in 18 months that Russian warships have entered British waters.
Royal Navy frigate HMS St Albans shadowed a Russian warship through the North Sea on Christmas Day