A Russian warship carried out a live-fire artillery exercise 40 miles off the coast of Plymouth on Monday.
It was monitored by the Royal Navy, who are continuing to ‘track the vessel’s activity closely’, according to the Ministry of Defence.
The Russian frigate, Neustrashimy, had reportedly informed the HMS Tyne – a Royal Navy Offshore Patrol Vessel – of its intentions to fire.
A French military aircraft also made radio contact with the warship and asked those on board to clarify its intentions.
The BBC reported that the HMS Tyne was asked to move to a safer distance while the exercise took place, lasting 30 minutes.
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This is one of several Russian ships seen near UK waters this year, with a ‘shadow fleet’ oil tanker in the Channel last month.
Royal Marine Commandos boarded the tanker in a six-hour operation, the first of its kind by the UK armed forces.
Russian warships regularly pass through the international waters in the Channel, not entering UK or French territories.
UK defence sources would reportedly not comment to the BBC on whether this incident may have been timed with Andy Burnham’s arrival at Downing Street.
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