Russian warship holds live-fire drill near Plymouth as new UK PM takes office

Published Jul 21, 12:29 PM UTC

On July 21, 2026, the Russian warship Neustrashimyy conducted live-fire exercises in international waters approximately 40 nautical miles south of Plymouth, England, on the same day Andy Burnham became Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The Royal Navy patrol vessel HMS Tyne was monitoring the Russian ship when its crew announced the exercise and demanded the British vessel move to a safe distance. A British Ministry of Defence spokesperson confirmed the event, and a source close to the MoD described the situation as 'highly unusual' due to crowded surrounding waters. Former British Army head Lord Richard Dannatt stated the Kremlin intended to send a signal of power and challenge to the new PM. The incident follows recent tensions, including Royal Marines boarding a Russian shadow fleet tanker in mid-June and a Russian frigate firing warning shots at a yacht in the English Channel.