The Royal Navy has intercepted two Russian naval vessels in the English Channel, the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed, marking the latest escalation in a growing pattern of Russian military activity near British waters.
HMS Severn was dispatched to monitor the RFN Stoikiy, a Steregushchiy-class corvette, and the Yelnya, a naval tanker, as they travelled west through the Dover Strait over the past fortnight.
The vessels were shadowed as they entered one of the world’s busiest maritime routes, prompting renewed concern over Russia’s strategic posturing close to British territory.
According to the MoD, HMS Severn maintained close surveillance of the Russian ships before handing over monitoring duties to a NATO ally near the coast of Brittany, north-west France. The UK vessel then continued to observe operations from a safe distance and remained “ready to respond to any unexpected activity.”
The interception comes amid mounting unease surrounding Russian naval movements in waters surrounding the UK. Last week, defence officials confirmed that the Russian intelligence-gathering ship Yantar had been spotted off the coast of Scotland.
The vessel reportedly used laser systems to interfere with RAF aircraft monitoring its route, a move that immediately raised alarms within the British defence establishment.
Defence Secretary John Healey condemned the Yantar’s actions as “deeply dangerous,” issuing a stern warning to Moscow and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“We see you. We know what you’re doing. We are ready,” he said, underscoring the government’s determination to respond robustly to any threats against British sovereignty.
Healey also revealed that Russian naval activity near UK waters has surged by 30% over the past two years. The increase has strengthened concerns that Russia is actively testing Western response capabilities as geopolitical tensions continue to escalate across Europe.
HMS Severn’s recent interception is not the first time the RFN Stoikiy has made its presence felt around the UK.
In May, the Royal Navy deployed two vessels and the 814 Naval Air Squadron—known as the “Flying Tigers”—to escort the same Russian corvette as it moved through the English Channel to meet other Russian ships, the Sparta IV and General Skobelev.
The merchant vessels were returning from the Mediterranean, and the group later proceeded toward the Baltic Sea under the watch of HMS Hurworth.
British defence analysts say the persistence of Russian naval formations sailing close to the UK reflects a broader strategy of intimidation and intelligence gathering.
“Russia is probing NATO’s maritime defences and testing reaction times,” said one security expert. “These movements are carefully calculated to signal capability without crossing into direct confrontation.”
The MoD has increased patrols and surveillance as a result, particularly around chokepoints such as the Dover Strait, where commercial and military vessels from dozens of nations regularly pass. The English Channel remains a vital artery for international trade and a strategic location for monitoring Atlantic-bound maritime traffic.
NATO allies have also stepped up cooperation in the wake of heightened Russian activity. The seamless handover between HMS Severn and a NATO partner underscores ongoing coordination among Western navies, aimed at ensuring uninterrupted scrutiny of militarily sensitive movements.
Healey has emphasized that the UK’s response is part of a broader commitment to continental security. “Russian aggression right across the board impacts all of Europe, not just Ukraine,” he said, referring to ongoing tensions linked to Moscow’s military operations in Eastern Europe.
The MoD reiterated that the Royal Navy will continue to shadow foreign vessels passing near British waters when deemed necessary. While transiting the English Channel is not illegal under international maritime law, the UK maintains strict protocols to ensure that such movements do not compromise national security or maritime safety.
As Russian naval presence around the UK shows no sign of declining, British defence officials remain on heightened alert. The latest interception by HMS Severn underscores the UK’s resolve to maintain vigilant oversight of its territorial seas and uphold the security of one of the world’s most strategically important maritime zones.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
