Russian frigate fires warning shots after UK yacht closes to 150 meters without responding to radio calls

A Russian Navy frigate fired warning shots near a UK-registered yacht in the English Channel on Tuesday. The incident occurred at approximately 11:40 BST, about 20 nautical miles south of the Isle of Wight between the island and Normandy and outside UK territorial waters.

Russia's defence ministry stated the yacht, identified as the Bright Future and flying the British flag, was following a dangerous course under engines toward the frigate and did not respond to radio calls. The ministry said the frigate closed to 150 meters before firing small-arms warning shots across the yacht's course at 12:45, in accordance with international shipping regulations.

The shots were fired from a distance of approximately 500 yards, or 457 meters.

No injuries or damage to the yacht were reported. HMS Mersey was monitoring the Admiral Grigorovich at the time. A seaboat from HMS Tyne visited the yacht to gather details and confirm safety. A helicopter was also operating over the English Channel during the incident.

The Ministry of Defence stated it is investigating reports of an incident in the Channel. British and French ships are mobilising in response.

The UK Foreign Office announced a new package of 70 sanctions targeting Russia's shadow fleet, military procurement networks, and illicit finance systems. The sanctions were announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper at the G7 Summit.