Kremlin tests London as new PM takes office

„A Russian warship, tracked by the Royal Navy, conducted live-fire exercises yesterday in international waters, approximately 40 nautical miles south of Plymouth,” a British Ministry of Defence spokesperson stated. The vessel is equipped with, among other armaments, anti-ship cruise missiles and a 100mm gun capable of firing 50 rounds per minute.

The Neustrashimyy was being monitored by the British patrol vessel HMS Tyne when the Russian unit’s crew suddenly announced their intention to open fire as part of an exercise. They demanded that the observing vessel move to a safe distance. The Daily Telegraph, citing a source close to the Ministry of Defence, described the situation as „highly unusual.” The surrounding waters are crowded with ships and boats. One reason for the use of weaponry may have been a desire to demonstrate strength to the new British Prime Minister, Andy Burnham.

„It is no mere coincidence that the Russian ship conducted live-fire exercises on the very day Andy Burnham became Prime Minister,” noted the former head of the British Army, Lord Richard Dannatt. In his view, the Kremlin wanted to send the following signal: „We are here, we are powerful, and what are you going to do about it?”

Tensions between Moscow and London at sea have been rising recently. As The Guardian points out, in mid-June, Royal Marines commandos boarded a Russian tanker belonging to the so-called shadow fleet, while a Russian frigate fired warning shots at a yacht in the waters of the English Channel.