Britain tracks Russian warships, shadow fleet in 72-hour naval operation

The Royal Navy has completed a 72-hour operation monitoring Russian warships and sanctioned cargo vessels in UK waters, as Britain steps up efforts to track activity linked to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet.

Three Royal Navy vessels – HMS Duncan, HMS St Albans and HMS Severn – used radar and other sensors to monitor two Russian Navy warships and two sanctioned cargo ships in the North Sea and English Channel.

A Merlin helicopter operating from HMS St Albans also took part in the surveillance operation as the vessels approached the Dover Strait.

Separately, HMS Mersey was monitoring the Russian replenishment vessel Akademik Pashin, which was sailing nearby.

The Royal Navy said the number of operations to monitor Russian activity had increased by 25% in the first eight months of 2026 compared with the same period last year.

The operation follows the UK's interception of the sanctioned oil tanker Smyrtos in the English Channel in June.

First Sea Lord and Chief of Naval Staff General Sir Gwyn Jenkins said the interception demonstrated that the UK and Royal Navy were prepared to act against vessels seeking to evade sanctions and fund Russia's war in Ukraine.

He said Russian shadow fleet vessels had increasingly been forced to alter their routes following the operation, causing additional costs and delays.

Mr Jenkins said the approach, conducted with allies, was also forcing Russia to divert warships from their primary roles, adding that the Royal Navy remained prepared to act if necessary.

He warned that shadow fleet vessels continued to pose a risk to maritime security and the environment, saying the UK would remain vigilant and work with allies to uphold and enforce international law.

By Aghakazim Guliyev