On Monday, July 20, a Russian Navy ship held a live fire drill in the English Channel. The exercise involved manoeuvres that were some 40 nautical miles from the British coast and was immediately observed by the armies of the European allies.

The UK MOD confirmed that the Russian frigate, Neutrashimy, was closely monitored “all through the duration of its operations.

In the engagement, Russian forces were allegedly communicating directly with British forces on-board the ‘shadowing offshore patrol vessel’ HMS Tyne. They notified the Royal Navy of an imminent live-fire exercise and suggested that they move further away.

Military Surveillance and Coinciding Political Transitions

HMS Tyne kept a distance but was vigilant, as the Neutrashimy continued its planned drills. A French Armed Forces patrol aircraft was also sent into the air to view the situation, as well as British naval vessels.

The French plane apparently made successful radio contact with the Russian ship’s crew to make official contact in the sensitive maritime area.

It was a day of significant political change in the United Kingdom – and just a day of military force. The sea drills were run the same day on which UK Prime Minister deeply unpopular Keir Starmer officially resigned at 10 Downing Street. He was immediately replaced by the new Labour Party Leader, Andy Burnham.