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Russian Warships Escort Tankers Through Dover, UK Deploys Tideforce

4/25/2026

Summary

Story summary

Russian warships began escorting vessels through the Dover Strait, with RFS Admiral Grigorovich escorting MV Triumf near the English Channel on 18 April.
The UK deployed RFA Tideforce to track the convoys while Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer restated his March pledge to target Russian tankers flying false flags.
Analysts said a convoy escorted by RFS Admiral Kasatonov is likely bound for Tartus, Syria, indicating a Russian effort to re-establish presence.

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Story summary

Russian warships began escorting vessels through the Dover Strait, with RFS Admiral Grigorovich escorting MV Triumf near the English Channel on 18 April.
The UK deployed RFA Tideforce to track the convoys while Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer restated his March pledge to target Russian tankers flying false flags.
Analysts said a convoy escorted by RFS Admiral Kasatonov is likely bound for Tartus, Syria, indicating a Russian effort to re-establish presence.