Russian Frigate Fires Live Rounds in the English Channel

On 20 July 2026, the Russian frigate Neustrashimy conducted a 30-minute live-fire drill 40 nautical miles south of Plymouth, suddenly announcing it and asking the shadowing HMS Tyne to withdraw. The exercise coincided with Andy Burnham becoming prime minister. Russia has kept warships in the Channel since April, following warning shots near a British yacht in June.