A Russian warship, the Neustrashimy, conducted a rare live-fire military exercise around 46 miles off the UK coast south of Plymouth, drawing criticism from new defence secretary Wes Streeting.
Key facts
- A Russian warship carried out a live-fire exercise around 40 nautical miles (46 miles) off the UK coast, the MoD said.
- The Guardian identified the vessel as the Neustrashimy, operating 45 miles south of Plymouth.
- The 30-minute drill took place on Monday, the day Andy Burnham was appointed prime minister.
- New defence secretary Wes Streeting called the exercise 'performative and irresponsible'.
- The Russian ship requested a British warship tracking it retreat to a safe distance before firing, according to The Guardian.
A Russian warship carried out a live-fire military exercise around 40 nautical miles (46 miles) off the UK coast, the Ministry of Defence has said.
According to The Guardian, the vessel involved was the Neustrashimy, which conducted the rare live-fire exercise in the Channel 45 miles south of Plymouth on Monday. The Guardian reported that the ship suddenly announced it intended to fire its guns and requested that a British warship, which had been tracking it, retreat to a safe distance.
The Guardian said the drill lasted 30 minutes. It took place on the day Andy Burnham was appointed as prime minister.
New defence secretary Wes Streeting criticised the exercise, calling it “performative and irresponsible”, according to Sky News.
Why it matters
A foreign warship conducting a live-fire exercise close to the UK coastline is an unusual event that raises questions about maritime security and tensions with Russia. The response from the newly appointed defence secretary signals how the government intends to frame such activity.
Frequently asked questions
How far off the UK coast did the Russian warship fire its weapons?
The Ministry of Defence said the exercise took place around 40 nautical miles (46 miles) off the UK coast, while The Guardian reported the ship was 45 miles south of Plymouth.
Which Russian warship was involved?
The Guardian identified the vessel as the Neustrashimy, which conducted a rare live-fire exercise in the Channel.
How did the UK government respond?
New defence secretary Wes Streeting criticised the exercise, calling it 'performative and irresponsible', according to Sky News.