Russian Warship Fires Warning Shots at British Sailing Vessel

A Russian warship fired shots over the bow of a British recreational sailing vessel in the Channel within the last 24 hours. The vessel's occupants reported changing course by two degrees before the shots were fired.

Shearer, a former spokesperson for the British Army, described the shots as provocative rather than warning shots. He said standard maritime procedure calls for sounding a ship's horn five times when one vessel questions another's intentions. Shearer linked the incident to other recent acts of aggression and said NATO boundaries are being tested.

He stated that Russia has continued to probe responses since its 2014 invasion of Crimea.

NATO to invoke Article 4 of the treaty to discuss the situation. He said the step would demonstrate resolve without immediately moving to military action. He noted that the United Kingdom's armed forces lack sufficient capacity in the navy, army, and air force. Shearer said Article 4 allows member states to convene when they perceive threats to their territories or way of life.