Russian Warship Fires Guns in English Channel, Forcing Royal Navy to Back Off

On 20 July 2026, the Russian frigate Neustrashimy conducted a 30-minute live-fire exercise 40 nautical miles south of Plymouth after suddenly announcing its intent and asking the shadowing HMS Tyne to retreat. The drill coincided with Andy Burnham's appointment as prime minister. Russia has maintained a continuous warship presence in the Channel since April, following June's warning shots near a British yacht.