UK Navy: Russian Warship Escorts Sanctioned Vessel Through English Channel
UK-Russia Maritime Tension Escalates: Russian Warships Escort Sanctioned Cargo Ship Through English Channel, UK Ships Monitor Throughout
The Royal Navy recently completed a three-day tracking and surveillance operation targeting Russian naval vessels and cargo ships entering British territorial waters. According to a statement from the UK Navy Press Office, the number of such surveillance missions conducted by the Royal Navy in the first eight months of 2026 has increased by 25% year-on-year.
According to the press release, during this operation, the UK deployed the destroyer "Duncan," the frigate "Saint Albans," and the patrol vessel "Severn" to conduct continuous tracking of two Russian warships and two sanctioned commercial vessels in the North Sea and the English Channel. Additionally, the patrol vessel "Mersey" and the Merlin helicopter also participated in the monitoring mission.
In mid-June this year, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer ordered the interception of an oil tanker named "Smyrtos" in the English Channel, which was alleged to be linked to Russia's "shadow fleet." The Indian-origin captain was charged with violating UK sanctions against Russia. According to reports by The Daily Telegraph, the UK government plans to sell nearly 100,000 tons of oil aboard the tanker. The Kremlin in Moscow has issued a warning, stating it will take retaliatory measures.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1874909176895488/
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