Russian Warship Conducts Live-Fire Exercise Near UK Coast as New Prime Minister Takes Office

A Russian frigate identified as Neustrashimy carried out a live-fire artillery drill in international waters roughly 40 nautical miles south of Plymouth. The exercise, lasting about 30 minutes, was announced to the Royal Navy offshore patrol vessel HMS Tyne, which repositioned to a safer distance. A French military aircraft also made radio contact with the Russian ship to request clarification of its intentions. The Royal Navy monitored the firing and continues to track the vessel’s activity closely.

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The drill follows a pattern of heightened Russian naval movements near the United Kingdom. In the preceding month, British forces intercepted a Russian “shadow fleet” tanker in the English Channel, and earlier in June a Russian warship fired warning shots near a civilian yacht off the Isle of Wight. These incidents have been described by UK officials as part of a broader increase in Russian activity around British waters. The exercise occurred on the first day of Andy Burnham’s premiership, a leader who has pledged unconditional support for Ukraine.

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Former head of the British Army Richard Dannatt argued the drill was a deliberate signal from President Vladimir Putin, stating it was “not entirely by happenstance” that the exercise coincided with Burnham’s inauguration. Former prime minister Keir Starmer condemned a separate incident in which a Russian warship fired warning shots near a yacht, calling it “reckless” and expressing concern for the terrified couple aboard.

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• “This is a factor we will certainly take into account,” — Dmitry Peskov, kremlin spokesperson

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• “It’s not entirely by happenstance that the Russian warship chose to carry out a live-fire exercise on the same day that Andy Burnham became prime minister,” — Richard Dannatt

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• “That shouldn’t have happened. It is reckless, and the couple on the yacht must’ve been terrified,” — Keir Starmer, former prime minister

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• “Our sailors, ships and aircraft have maintained a constant watch, helping to protect the UK’s security and reassure our allies,” — Vice Admiral Steve Moorhouse

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