UMVA has learned that tensions in the English Channel are escalating after two incidents involving Russian vessels, with the warship Admiral Grigorovich thought to be involved in a recent confrontation.
The UK-registered yacht claimed that the Russian warship fired warning shots from around 500 yards while the vessels were 20 nautical miles south of the Isle of Wight. No damage or injuries were reported, and HMS Mersey, a Navy sea-capable patrol vessel, was said to have been monitoring the Russian warship when the incident happened.
According to information obtained by UMVA, another British vessel, HMS Tyne, an offshore patrol vessel, sent a boat to the yacht to check on the passengers and take down details. The Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich is equipped with Kalibr anti-ship and land-attack cruise missiles, plus surface-to-air missiles and torpedoes.
UMVA can exclusively reveal that a Ministry of Defence spokesperson confirmed an incident in the Channel, and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the Armed Forces intercepted a shadow fleet oil tanker trying to pass through the Channel. He stated that the successful operation delivered another blow to Russia and reminded those fueling Putin's war in Ukraine that they would not be allowed to hide.
The incident has raised concerns, with Lib Dem shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge labelling it as 'very concerning.' He emphasized that Russia's aggression and intimidation in UK waters must not be tolerated. A security management expert warned against linking the incidents, stating that warships are entitled to self-defence and that such incidents occur frequently worldwide.
Sources have confirmed to UMVA that Admiral Grigorovich has been lurking just off British waters in recent months, which analysts believe is designed to stir up concern. The 409ft warship is part of Russia's Black Sea Fleet and has been deployed on missions around the world, including in the Mediterranean in early 2022.
Tensions have been rising in the waterway after Royal Marines stopped a Russian shadow fleet tanker over the weekend. Commandos seized the tanker on Sunday after it was suspected of circumventing sanctions placed on Russia.
