Russian warship carries out live-firing war games off PLYMOUTH as British and French military track frigate through English Channel

By ELIANA SILVER, SENIOR FOREIGN NEWS REPORTER Published: 07:12, 21 July 2026 | Updated: 07:20, 21 July 2026 A Russian warship carried out a live-fire artillery exercise just 40 nautical miles south of Plymouth on Monday while under close surveillance by the Royal Navy. The Russian frigate Neustrashimy was shadowed by HMS Tyne, while a French military aircraft also monitored the vessel and made radio contact to request clarification of its intentions. Before opening fire, the frigate informed HMS Tyne that it intended to conduct gunnery exercises and asked the Royal Navy patrol vessel to move to a safer distance, which it did.  The live-fire drill lasted around 30 minutes and took place in international waters. A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said the Royal Navy monitored the exercise and continues to 'track the vessel's activity closely.' In June, Royal Marine Commandos boarded a Russian 'shadow fleet' oil tanker in the English Channel during a six-hour operation, marking the first mission of its kind carried out by the UK armed forces.  Video released by the Ministry of Defence shows helicopters intercepting the vessel Smyrtos off the Dorset coast on June 14 in the first operation of its kind.  After heavily-armed forces 'fast-rope' down to the deck, they were seen taking control and checking through paperwork on the bridge. HMS Iron Duke shadows RFN Neustrashimy and cargo ship Sparta (file pic) Former PM Keir Starmer had insisted the six-hour operation – carried out in 'close coordination' with the French – was 'successful' and 'reminds Russia' that the UK is prepared to act. Sir Keir wrote on X: 'In the early hours of this morning, I directed our Armed Forces to intercept a shadow fleet oil tanker attempting to pass through the English Channel. 'This successful operation delivers yet another blow to Russia and reminds those fueling Putin's war in Ukraine that we will not let them hide. 'I want to thank those involved, including our Armed Forces and law enforcement officers who keep this country safe 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.' The Ministry of Defence said Royal Marines commandos and personnel from the National Crime Agency were supported by Chinooks, Merlin Mk4 and Wildcat aircraft. An RAF P-8 aircraft was also deployed, as well as HMS Sutherland and HMS Ledbury. Video clips show personnel armed with KS-1 rifles conducting searches of cabins aboard the vessel, while officers from the NCA inspect documentation and paperwork. Starmer agreed in March that UK forces and law enforcement officers were able to board shadow fleet vessels, in accordance with international law. The Government insisted the action in UK territorial waters was in accordance with domestic and international law. Moscow's so-called 'shadow fleet' is made up of more than a thousand ageing tankers that illicitly ship oil and other goods out of Russia by flying the flags of other countries, with the aim of evading sanctions imposed by the West since the invasion of Ukraine began. British forces have already been involved in tracking such vessels for several years, and have supported seizure operations by other countries.