UK warship intercepts Russian vessels

A British warship has intercepted four Russian naval vessels through the strategically-sensitive English Channel.

The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) said the frigate HMS Westminster was deployed last Friday to escort the Russian ships through its “area of national interest”, reports the Evening Standard.

Video taken aboard HMS Westminster and released by the MOD shows it tracking a Russian warship in the distance through stormy seas.

The Royal Navy ship remained at sea over the weekend to monitor the passage of the two Russian frigates and two support vessels.

The four Russian ships were believed to be returning to the Baltic after deployment in the Middle East.

The English Channel – the stretch of water between the UK and continental Europe – is one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes.

UK shipping through the channel is worth $17billion to the British economy.

Although last week’s contact was routine, there has been a major rise in Russian naval activity around UK waters recently.

On Christmas Day, the UK frigate HMS St Albans was sent to track the Russian vessel Admiral Gorshkov as it made its way through the North Sea close to Britain. 

And on Christmas Eve, HMS Tyne was dispatched to escort a Russian intelligence-gathering ship through the North Sea and the England Channel.

Last month the UK Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said the Royal Navy would meet any threat on the high seas.

"I will not hesitate in defending our waters or tolerate any form of aggression. 

"Britain will never be intimidated when it comes to protecting our country, our people, and our national interests."