Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleChristopher McKeonSunday 09 August 2026 10:04 BSTUK issues stark warning to Putin over Russian submarines spotted in North AtlanticThe Royal Navy has reported a significant increase in Russian naval activity near UK waters, saying that it spent 21 days in July monitoring Moscow's vessels.Naval operations to track Russian ships surged by 25 per cent in July compared to 2025, with warships repeatedly traversing the Dover Strait and North Sea.Offshore patrol vessels HMS Tyne, HMS Mersey, and HMS Severn were deployed to monitor Russian frigates Neustrashimy and Admiral Grigorovich, which escort “shadow fleet” tankers.Russia uses its ageing shadow fleet to evade international sanctions on its oil exports, helping to fund its war in Ukraine.The Ministry of Defence said that Russia is using up “valuable operational capacity” to constantly guard cargo.In fullRoyal Navy warns of 25% surge in Russian ships near UK watersMore bulletinsThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in