Royal Navy shadows Russian destroyer as it passes through English Channel

A Royal Navy warship has escorted a Russian destroyer through the English Channel.

Devonport-based Type 23 frigate HMS Northumberland was scrambled to meet the Severomorsk, a Udaloy-class guided missile destroyer.

A navy spokesman said: “The Russian ship passed through the English Channel on the way back to her home port after operations in the Mediterranean.

“HMS Northumberland is one of the Royal Navy’s ships kept at high readiness to protect the integrity of UK waters.”

Commander Ally Pollard, HMS Northumberland’s commanding officer, said: “This has been a particularly intense period for HMS Northumberland.

“It is credit to the team on board that they have been able to switch from the demands of anti-submarine warfare to conduct escorting duties through home waters with such ease.

“This is normal business for the Royal Navy, being prepared at all times to respond to any foreign warships in the UK’s area of interest.”