Royal Navy warships (stock image)
(Picture: PA Media)The Royal Navy on Wednesday confirmed it was tracking the movements of a Russian warship armed with missiles, sailing in the North Sea close to Britain.
The Navy described escorting warships in and around the UK’s waters as “routine” and a way of deterring “malign activity”.
“Escorting warships in UK territorial waters and the adjacent sea areas is routine activity for the Royal Navy,” the British frigate HMS Portland’s Commanding Officer, Commander Ed Moss-Ward, said in a statement.
“By maintaining a visible and persistent presence, the Royal Navy ensures compliance with maritime law and deters malign activity.”
It comes amid heightened tension with Russia, following Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, and the war Russia has been waging in the country for nearly 11 months since.
On Wednesday, No10 said British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace is leading work with allies which could see Britain send tanks to Ukraine.
Downing Street said the UK was looking to “accelerate” its support to Kyiv to help it “win this war” against Vladimir Putin’s regime.
It added that tanks could be a “game-changing capability”, amid reports that Britain is considering supplying a dozen Challenger II tanks.
