The Royal Navy ship escorts the Russian warship and tanker passing through the English Channel near the UK, watching their every move as they head out to the North Sea.
- HMS Portland deployed from Plymouth to track a Russian guided missile frigate
The Royal Navy has been escorting a Russian frigate and tanker through waters close to the UK, it announced today, warning Vladimir Putin’s forces that it is “watching their every move”.
HMS Portland deployed from Plymouth to track the Russian Gorshkov-class guided-missile frigate, Admiral Kasatonov, and supporting tanker, Akademik Pashin.
The British Type 23 frigate followed Putin’s forces across the English Channel on Sunday morning as they headed towards the North Sea.
The revelation came after what was Russia’s deadliest day on the Ukrainian battlefield on Saturday, when Putin’s forces lost more than 1,000 soldiers.
Amid Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine, Admiral Kasatonov of Russia’s Northern Fleet has been operating in the eastern Mediterranean since early 2022.
HMS Portland (pictured) deployed from Plymouth to track the Russian Gorshkov-class guided-missile frigate Admiral Kasatonov and supporting tanker Akademik Pashin
Meanwhile, Akademik Pashin was in the region at the end of the year.
The Royal Navy said it had been watching every move made by Russia as they sailed north through the Bay of Biscay.
The Russians passed through the Strait of Gibraltar last Wednesday and NATO warships have been escorting them throughout their journey.
The ship’s commanding officer, Commander Ed Moss-Ward, said: “The Royal Navy routinely responds to escort warships in our territorial waters and adjacent sea areas to ensure compliance with maritime law and deter evil activity.”
“Accompanying the Russian task force alongside allied partners demonstrates the commitment of the Royal Navy and the NATO alliance to maintaining maritime security, which is crucial to our national interests.”
