Royal Navy Shadows Five Russian Vessels in UK Waters July 1-8

In the first week of July 2025, Royal Navy warships and helicopters closely monitored five Russian vessels in UK waters, including two Steregushchiy-class corvettes, a tanker, a bulk carrier, and a Smolnyy-class training ship, conducting three separate operations in the North Sea and English Channel. Plymouth-based HMS Iron Duke, Portsmouth-based HMS Tyne, and Wildcat aircraft from 815 Naval Air Squadron coordinated with NATO allies to track the Russian ships, handing over surveillance duties to allied warships as necessary. These activities coincided with a significant NATO exercise in Portland aimed at securing the Black Sea for Ukraine, highlighting the Royal Navy's commitment to protecting UK sovereignty and demonstrating interoperability with NATO forces. The increased Russian naval presence has prompted warnings from European leaders about the need to bolster defense spending to deter potential threats, with Denmark's Prime Minister emphasizing the urgency to strengthen Europe's defense capabilities by 2030. Additionally, the Port of Rotterdam is preparing for potential conflict scenarios by reserving space for military supplies, reflecting heightened concerns over Russia’s destabilizing actions including sabotage, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte underscored that Europe remains in a state of tension, neither at peace nor at war, amid ongoing Russian provocations.