HMS Audacious, one of the UK's most advanced nuclear-powered submarines, has arrived in Gibraltar for its maiden visit to the British Overseas Territory. The Astute-class hunter-killer submarine is capable of launching Tomahawk cruise missiles and sustaining long missions without surfacing.
The arrival comes hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin imposed sanctions on several UK politicians, including Prime Minister Boris Johnson, banning them from entering Russia. The Kremlin cited 'unprecedented hostile actions' by the British government, particularly sanctions against Russian officials.
Russia's foreign ministry stated that the list would be expanded to include other British politicians and parliamentarians who contribute to 'anti-Russian hysteria'. The move follows the sinking of the Russian Black Sea fleet flagship Moskva, which Ukraine claims was struck by a missile.
HMS Audacious is one of the world's most deadly submarines, designed for torpedoing enemy vessels and conducting precision land attacks. Its visit to Gibraltar underscores the UK's naval presence amid heightened tensions with Russia.
