politics
Russian Frigate Notifies UK Navy Before Live-Fire Exercise 40 Miles South of Plymouth
The Neustrashimy informed HMS Tyne of its plans on 20 July 2026. UK Defence Secretary Wes Streeting called the action performative and irresponsible in statements the next day.
Jul 21, 11:53 AM·1m read1 source
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A Russian frigate from the Baltic fleet carried out a live-fire artillery exercise on 20 July 2026 roughly 40 nautical miles south of Plymouth after notifying the Royal Navy vessel HMS Tyne of its intentions, GB News reported. Wes Streeting, the new UK Defence Secretary, responded on 21 July 2026 by describing the exercise as performative and irresponsible.
He noted that such behavior was not new from Russia.
"It's not the first time that Russia has behaved like this, and frankly, it's the tip of the iceberg of the daily threats that this country faces and our allies face," Streeting said. Streeting added that Russia should recognize the resolve of the UK government and prime minister to counter Russian aggression in Ukraine and against allies.
He said the prime minister's commitment to national defense would become clearer in the coming months.
The statements were issued the day after the exercise and reported by GB News on 21 July 2026 at 16:53.
