Russian warships have been intercepted by the Royal Navy in the English Channel.
British ships and planes were deployed to track Vladimir Putin’s shadowy ships during a two-day operation in coordination with NATO allies.
Portsmouth-based patrol vessels HMS Mersey and HMS Severn were sent along with a Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron to intercept the Russian corvette Boikiy and the accompanying tanker MT General Skobelev as they sailed into the North Sea.
Armed Forces Minister Al Carns said: “With this operation, our sailors have once again sent a message to Putin: we know exactly what his navy is doing.
“Every time a Russian ship approaches the UK, the Navy is ready to track, deter and defend it.
“I want to pay tribute to the professionalism of our staff who work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to keep our nation safe.”
