Royal Navy tracks Russian frigate for one month off UK coast

"The Russian navy's Admiral Grigorovich escorted six Russia-linked vessels during April, including at least three under economic sanction passing east through the Dover strait, while being watched continuously by four UK ships and helicopters. The frigate, which naval spotters believe remains in the North Sea, was able to maintain its presence near Britain by taking on supplies near Galloper windfarm off the Suffolk coast."

"Elisabeth Braw, a security expert with the Atlantic Council thinktank, said: This is completely disproportionate; navies normally only escort vessels when there is a clear military threat, such as from the Houthis in the Red Sea. Russia has decided that this is an indispensable source of income that could be disrupted."

"Russia relies on the shadow fleet of often old, poorly maintained tankers, sailing under third country flags of convenience for roughly half its seaborne oil exports. The UK has threatened to seize these vessels as tensions escalate over maritime operations near British waters."

The Royal Navy monitored Russian naval activity intensively throughout April, tracking the frigate Admiral Grigorovich as it escorted six Russia-linked vessels, including at least three under economic sanctions, through the Dover Strait. A second frigate, Admiral Kasatonov, escorted merchant ships toward Syria while being monitored by British auxiliary vessels. Russia resupplied near UK waters and maintained its North Sea presence. This escalation reflects increasing maritime tensions between London and Moscow. Russia relies heavily on shadow fleet tankers—often old, poorly maintained vessels under flags of convenience—for approximately half its seaborne oil exports. Security experts note this level of naval escort is disproportionate and unusual outside military conflict scenarios.

Read at www.theguardian.com