Russian warships shadowed by Royal Navy in UK waters as Putin vessel sails towards English Channel
Russian warships have been shadowed by Royal Navy warships and helicopters amid activity from Putin 's vessels in the English Channel and North Sea.
During the operation, Portsmouth-based destroyer HMS Duncan and patrol ship HMS Mersey worked together as they reported on RFN Boilky's movements.
The Russian corvette was recorded sailing eastwards through the English Channel.
It comes after patrol ship HMS Trent and Wildcat helicopters from 815 Naval Air Squadron shadowed RFN Admiral Grigorovich.
The mission was a part of joint NATO efforts as the Russian frigate sailed past Gibraltar, through the English Channel and into the North Sea.
The Type 45 destroyer Duncan met the Steregushchiy-class corvette near the island of Ushant at the southwestern end of the Channel on the French coast on June 20.
HMS Mersey took over duties off the Isle of Wight on June 21, with Duncan returning to training ahead of operations.
Luke Pollard, the minister for the Armed Forces said Russian warships were 'increasingly sailing through the English Channel'.
He added: 'And every time they do, a Royal Navy vessel will be keeping an eye on them.
'I have every confidence, as should the British public, that our Royal Navy will continue to defend our waters and keep our undersea cables safe.'
Commander Daniel Lee, Commanding Officer of HMS Duncan, said: 'Escorting foreign warships through waters near the UK is a vital part of our mission to protect our nation and uphold international maritime law.
'It's a clear demonstration of our commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our seas, which are so important to the lives and livelihoods of the British people.
'As a ship's company, we are proud to carry out this duty on behalf of the nation, showcasing our professionalism and readiness to respond to any task required of us.'
HMS Duncan reported on Boikiy's movements using cutting-edge sensors and powerful radar, as Putin's warships continued its journey back from deployment in the Gulf of Guinea.
Boikiy was last tracked by the Royal Navy in May by HMS Tyne, but the main difference now is that the Russian vessel was missing an anchor.
HMS Mersey took over duties off the Isle of Wight on June 21, with Duncan returning to training ahead of operations.
For patrol ship Mersey, also based in Portsmouth, this is the fifth time it has tracked Russian warships in UK waters last year.
Lieutenant Commander Daniel Wardle, Commanding Officer of HMS Mersey, said: 'This operation is routine business for the Royal Navy and demonstrates our ongoing commitment to safeguarding the integrity of UK waters.
'Monitoring the movement of transiting naval vessels through the region is a fundamental task, and I am immensely proud of my ship's company for the professionalism, teamwork, and vigilance they consistently display.'
HMS Trent was previously tasked to track the Admiral Grigorovich on her return journey to the UK for essential training.
It comes after Trent spent more than four years away from home on missions in the Mediterranean, off West Africa and the Caribbean.
The patrol ship began shadowing the frigate in waters near Gibraltar and closely watched movements through the Channel and into the North Sea.
Commander Gavin Lowe, Commanding Officer HMS Trent, said: 'The Royal Navy is at sea every day safeguarding UK waters and I'm very proud of the professionalism and skill my team displayed while providing this vital assurance.'
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