Russian Warships in International Waters

A flotilla of Russian ships are within international waters but Defence Secretary of UK Michael Fallon said, the UK would “be watching as part of our steadfast commitment to keep Britain safe”. Russian warships are expected to enter the English Channel this morning en route to Syria.

The aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov and other Russian naval vessels are believed to be heading to the eastern Mediterranean.

It is the only carrier in the Russian navy and can carry more than 50 aircraft. Its weapons systems include granit anti-ship cruise missiles.

The UK’s Type 45 destroyer HMS Duncan, escorted by the Type 23 frigate HMS Richmond, steamed from Portsmouth on Tuesday to track the Kuznetsov group as it headed south from the Norwegian Sea.

Two British naval ships are shadowing the vessels. The Ministry of Defence said they would be “man-marked every step of the way” while near UK waters.

EU leaders have strongly condemned Russia’s involvement in bombing the Syrian city of Aleppo.