Russia has broken its silence after one of its frigates fired warning shots at a British yacht in the English Channel, with a former Foreign Secretary accusing Moscow of behaving like a 'tin pot bully'.
The Admiral Grigorovich, a Russian warship, fired towards the pleasure boat off the coast of the Isle of Wight around 11:40am on Tuesday. The two vessels sailed close to each other in the Channel, with HMS Mersey monitoring the frigate at the time of the incident, which has been described as 'hugely concerning'.
Former Foreign Secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind claimed the action was 'deliberate', while some defence sources suggested the Russian vessel may have fired warning shots because it was struggling to control its movements. They indicated the Russian warship wanted to avoid a collision, as the yacht did not change its course after earlier warnings.
Russia's Explanation
The Russian Defence Ministry, breaking its silence, stated: 'Today, June 16 at 12:45, the crew of the frigate Admiral Grigorovich in the English Channel discovered the civilian sailing yacht Bright Future, flying the British flag, which was following a dangerous course under engines to approach the ship.'
According to the ministry, the frigate's crew made several attempts to contact the civilian vessel on the international radio channel, but there was no change in the yacht's course or response. Flares were fired and sound signals were sounded, but the vessel continued its dangerous approach.
'After closing the distance to 150 meters, the frigate's commander decided to fire preemptively at the vessel's course with small arms. The British-flagged yacht then immediately changed course and continued moving away from the Russian warship,' the statement added.
The ministry insisted the crew acted in strict accordance with international shipping regulations and took all necessary measures to prevent the incident.
Political Reactions
The alarming incident has renewed anger over Labour's internal disputes on defence spending. Former Defence Secretary Sir Ben Wallace told the Daily Express: '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 said: 'This is hugely concerning. In the last three days we have seen a Russian Shadow Fleet tanker seized, Russian agents exposed at the heart of an attack on the Prime Minister and now we have reports of shots fired by a Russian Frigate at a civilian yacht in the Channel.'
He added: 'This shows, yet again, that Russia poses a direct threat to our nation, and underlines why it is critical for Labour to get a grip on Defence after the chaos of their Ministerial resignations last week. Above all, this news shows why reports of Labour planning to make further cuts to Defence are so shocking.'
Sir Malcolm Rifkind, former Conservative Foreign and Defence Secretary, said: 'I suspect it is a deliberate Russian response to the British boarding of the Russian tanker. It could not be just a coincidence.'
Expert Analysis
Michael McManus, Director of Research at the Henry Jackson Society, commented: 'If confirmed, this would be a serious and concerning incident. The fact that no injuries or damage have been reported is welcome, but the alleged firing of warning shots at such close range demands a full explanation.'
He added: 'It would be premature to speculate on Moscow's motives before the investigation is complete. What is clear is that Russia has become increasingly willing to use military signalling and coercive behaviour close to NATO territory. This incident is a reminder of the importance of maintaining robust maritime surveillance and a credible Royal Navy presence around the United Kingdom.'
Background Context
The incident comes days after a team of Royal Marines seized a Russian shadow tanker, the Smyrtos, on Sunday. Armed personnel fast-roped from a helicopter and swept through the vessel, searching cabins while officers from the National Crime Agency inspected paperwork.
Russia has been operating a 'shadow fleet' to evade international sanctions imposed on its oil exports. The fleet of more than 700 vessels carries 75% of Russia's sanctioned oil, providing a critical lifeline for the Kremlin, according to the Ministry of Defence.
Additionally, Russia was linked to an arson attack on a house owned by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. Two Ukrainian-born men, Roman Lavrynovych and Stanislav Carpiuc, 27, were convicted at the Old Bailey on Monday of conspiring to commit arson over a string of attacks targeting Sir Keir. They were recruited by a Russian-speaking figure called 'El Money', with Evgeny Lyukshin, a 23-year-old Russian diplomat, alleged to be behind the account.
Defence Spending Debate
Speaking in the Commons on Tuesday for the first time since his resignation, former Defence Secretary John Healey urged Sir Keir Starmer to increase defence spending, telling MPs: 'Our adversaries do not follow timetables set by the Treasury.'
He said: 'At this dangerous time, I see the current defence investment plans falling well short of what is required, a rise at 0.08% from next year to 2030, no date for reaching 3%, no path to 3.5%. By 2030, well over half of Nato members will be spending 3% or more. And when allies are looking for British leadership, we must not fall behind.'
Al Carns, a former Royal Marines officer, repeated criticisms of the Government's approach, saying its plans were neither adequately funded nor preparing for the wars Britain is likely to fight. He stated: 'The reality is we are spending too much time preparing for last year's war, not tomorrow's.'
Speaking to reporters at the G7 summit in Evian, France, on Tuesday, Sir Keir Starmer defended his record, saying his Government was increasing the defence budget from 2.3% of GDP to 2.6%. The Prime Minister added that the increase would give the UK 'capability for the future' and he had already reallocated money from other departments to defence.
