Sir Keir Starmer has branded the Russian frigate's action as reckless after a warship fired warning shots near a yacht in the English Channel. The Admiral Grigorovich, a Russian frigate, discharged shots towards the Bright Future off the coast of the Isle of Wight. The incident occurred at approximately 11:40 am on Tuesday when the two vessels sailed in close proximity.
Details of the Incident
Defence chiefs believe the Admiral Grigorovich was drifting, and Russia claimed the yacht failed to alter its course, a statement that Alan and Jane Kelvey, the couple on the yacht, have denied. Moscow asserted that the warning shots were necessary. Speaking to GB News, Sir Keir Starmer expressed deep concern, stating, "What happened in the Channel, obviously deeply concerning, and I obviously feel for the couple on the yacht." He added, "It looks from the MoD assessment as if it was a drifting warship that fired a warning shot. That's the assessment, clearly that shouldn't have happened. I think it's reckless."
Reactions from Officials and the Couple
Alan and Jane Kelvey, speaking to GB News, maintained they were not on a collision course, stating, "We were not on a collision course in any way shape or form... we didn't do anything wrong. We followed all the collision regulations. The closest we got to them was 500 metres and as soon as we heard the gunshots, we put our engine on." They believe the incident was linked to the seizure of a Russian shadow fleet oil tanker earlier in the week. Former Defence Secretary Sir Ben Wallace commented, "Russia is getting desperate. Firing at an innocent yacht is not the actions of a major power. It is the behaviour of a tin pot bully." Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge described the event as "hugely concerning," emphasizing the direct threat posed by Russia.
Broader Context
The incident follows the seizure of a Russian shadow tanker, the Smyrtos, by Royal Marines on Sunday. Russia has been operating a shadow fleet to evade sanctions on its oil exports. Additionally, Russia was linked to an arson attack on Sir Keir Starmer's property, with two Ukrainian-born men convicted for conspiring to commit arson. The yacht involved was a private pleasure boat not under its own power at the time. Former Defence Secretary John Healey urged increased defence spending, warning that adversaries do not follow Treasury timetables.
