Royal Navy warships track Russian vessels for three days in UK waters

For three days, Royal Navy warships and a helicopter monitored Russian Navy vessels and sanctioned cargo ships in UK waters. HMS Duncan, HMS St Albans, and HMS Severn utilized radars to track four vessels, while a Merlin helicopter conducted aerial surveillance. Gen Sir Gwyn Jenkins, the First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff, noted that Russian shadow fleet vessels have been compelled to alter their routes, incurring substantial costs and delays.

Data indicates a 25% increase in Royal Navy monitoring of Russian movements this year compared to the previous year. During a recent operation, the Royal Navy tracked a Russian destroyer escorting sanctioned cargo ships through the North Sea and English Channel. The Kremlin responded with costly military resources, including the frigate Neustrashimy.

A NATO ally assumed monitoring duties off the French coast, though the specific country was not disclosed. This operation follows the boarding of a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker in June, an unprecedented event by UK armed forces. The Royal Marines, supported by the National Crime Agency and the RAF, intercepted and boarded the Smyrtos, arresting an Indian national on suspicion of sanctions violations, which he subsequently faced.

Russian oil and gas revenue contributed only 23% to the national budget in 2025, the lowest proportion in two decades, though this decline was offset by growth in other tax sources. Moscow has also benefited from soaring oil prices following the Iran conflict, though the broader economy is experiencing a slowdown.