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Russian warship holds live-fire drill near Plymouth on day 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 British Ministry of Defence confirmed the event, noting the vessel was tracked by the Royal Navy patrol boat HMS Tyne. The Russian crew announced their intention to open fire and demanded the observing vessel move to a safe distance. The Daily Telegraph described the situation as 'highly unusual' due to crowded surrounding waters. Former British Army head Lord Richard Dannatt stated the Kremlin aimed to send a signal of power and challenge to the new government. The incident follows recent tensions including Royal Marines boarding a Russian shadow fleet tanker in 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.
The vessel is equipped with anti-ship cruise missiles and a 100mm gun capable of firing 50 rounds per minute. The Neustrashimyy was being monitored by the British patrol vessel HMS Tyne when the Russian crew suddenly announced their intention to open fire as part of an exercise, demanding that the observing vessel move to a safe distance.
'Highly Unusual' Incident
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.
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 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 at Sea
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, while a Russian frigate fired warning shots at a yacht in the waters of the English Channel.
Author: Patryk Jagnieża
Tags: ROYAL NAVY | RUSSIA | UNITED KINGDOM | SHADOW FLEET | ANDY BURNHAM
Source
Defence24.comWestern
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