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Russian warship holds live-fire drill near Plymouth as new UK PM takes office
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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.
Source report
A Russian warship tracked by the Royal Navy conducted live-fire exercises yesterday in international waters, approximately 40 nautical miles south of Plymouth, a British Ministry of Defence spokesperson confirmed.
Key Details
- The vessel is equipped with anti-ship cruise missiles and a 100mm gun capable of firing 50 rounds per minute.
- The Russian unit, identified as the Neustrashimyy, was being monitored by the British patrol vessel HMS Tyne.
- The Russian crew suddenly announced their intention to open fire as part of an exercise and demanded that the observing vessel move to a safe distance.
'Highly Unusual' Situation
The Daily Telegraph, citing a source close to the Ministry of Defence, described the situation as "highly unusual." The surrounding waters are crowded with ships and boats.
Political Context
One reason for the use of weaponry may have been a desire to demonstrate strength to the new British Prime Minister, Andy Burnham.
"It is no mere coincidence that the Russian ship conducted live-fire exercises on the very day Andy Burnham became Prime Minister," noted the former head of the British Army, Lord Richard Dannatt.
In his view, the Kremlin wanted to send the following signal: "We are here, we are powerful, and what are you going to do about it?"
Rising Tensions
Tensions between Moscow and London at sea have been rising recently. As The Guardian points out:
- In mid-June, Royal Marines commandos boarded a Russian tanker belonging to the so-called shadow fleet.
- A Russian frigate fired warning shots at a yacht in the waters of the English Channel.
By Patryk Jagnieża 21 July 2026, 14:29
Tags: ROYAL NAVY | RUSSIA | UNITED KINGDOM | SHADOW FLEET | ANDY BURNHAM
Source
Defence24.comWestern
Part of this Story
Russian frigate conducts live-fire drill off England on new UK PM's first day