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RUSSIA in our sights


The Russian aircraft carrier fleet has abandoned its flight training mission and moved into the North Sea, the Ministry of Defence has confirmed.


The eight-strong flotilla, led by the Admiral Kuzentsov, is been tracked by the HMS Richmond and several NATO vessels. The Russian media has dubbed the mission 'Operation Sea Fist'.
Russian fleet


A MOD spokesman said: 'It is pretty unambiguous that they have set a course to pass through the Dover Strait.'

Vladimir Putin has already tried to divide the Royal Navy's efforts to track his fleet by recalling two corvettes from the Mediterranean forcing the HMS Dragon to head south from Portsmouth to intercept.

It is understood there is also a Dutch submarine operating south of the English Channel. 

Prime Minister Theresa May condemned the Russian decision to deploy the aircraft carrier.

Speaking upon her arrival in Brussels at her first EU summit since becoming Prime Minister, she said: 'After we’ve left it’s in the interests of both the UK and the EU that we continue to work closely together, including at this summit.
Type-45 destroyer HMS Duncan – HMS Richmond  
'We must show that robust and united European stance in the face of Russian aggression.

'The UK has put Russian actions in Syria on the agenda for this summit; we must continue to work together and it’s vital that we work together to continue to put pressure on Russia to stop its appalling atrocities, its sickening atrocities in Syria.'
In a sign of the escalating tensions with Russia, UK Defence Secretary Michael Fallon today warned Moscow: 'When these ships near our waters we will man-mark them every step of the way. We will be watching as part of our steadfast commitment to keep Britain safe.'

According to the Ministry of Defence: 'Shadowing ships is regular business for the UK Royal Navy, supported on this occasion by Royal Air Force surveillance aircraft.
Theresa May


'They will continue to escort the Russian Task Group and provide a visible presence south through the North Sea and English Channel as the ships conduct their passage and carries out flying operations.'
Russian Kamov KA-27 helicopters


The UK is working alongside Nato partners to monitor the warships passing the UK this week.

It marks a further breakdown of relations between the two countries after after Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson became embroiled in a row with the Russian embassy last week.

According to a Nato spokesman the fleet's destination does not 'inspire confidence' that the nation is seeking a political solution to the Syrian conflict.

The official said: 'Russia has the right to operate in international waters. There are plans in place for Nato navies to monitor the Russian ships as they head for the Mediterranean.
Putin (l), Merkel


'At the same time, the deployment of the carrier group to the eastern Mediterranean does not inspire confidence that Russia is working towards a political solution to the conflict in Syria.'
The Admiral Kuznetsov is part of a flotilla of eight surface ships which is also been tracked by Russian submarines.

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