The Royal Navy has intercepted two Russian warships in the English Channel, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed. HMS Severn intercepted the RFN Stoikiy, a corvette, and Yelnya, a tanker, as they sailed west through the Dover Strait over the past fortnight.
This latest incident follows reports last week of the Russian spy ship Yantar being spotted off the coast of Scotland. The vessel reportedly used lasers to disrupt RAF pilots tracking its movements, prompting Defence Secretary John Healey to describe the actions as “deeply dangerous.” Healey warned President Vladimir Putin: “We see you. We know what you’re doing. We are ready.”
The MoD noted that after intercepting the Stoikiy and Yelnya, HMS Severn handed over monitoring duties to a NATO ally off the coast of Brittany. The UK vessel continued to observe from a distance, remaining prepared to respond to any unexpected activity.
This is not the first time Stoikiy has entered UK waters. In May, the Royal Navy deployed two vessels and the 814 Naval Air Squadron nicknamed the “Flying Tigers” to shadow the warship as it navigated the English Channel to rendezvous with Sparta IV and General Skobelev. The Russian group, including two merchant vessels returning from the Mediterranean, was closely monitored by HMS Hurworth as it returned to the Baltic Sea.
Defence Secretary Healey highlighted a 30% increase in Russian naval activity threatening UK waters over the past two years. He said the rising presence of Russian vessels is evidence of broader Russian aggression impacting Europe, not only Ukraine.
HMS Severn, a River-class offshore patrol vessel commissioned in 2002, is designed to escort foreign warships, conduct fishing vessel inspections, and defend the UK border. Alongside sister ships HMS Tyne and HMS Mersey, Severn plays a key role in safeguarding UK waters amid heightened geopolitical tensions.
The Royal Navy continues to monitor Russian activity closely, ensuring the security of the English Channel and surrounding waters.
