Russian Warship Holds 30-Minute Live-Fire Drill 40 Nautical Miles Off UK as Burnham Backs Kyiv
Updated
Updated · CNN · Jul 21
Russian Warship Holds 30-Minute Live-Fire Drill 40 Nautical Miles Off UK as Burnham Backs Kyiv
3 articles · Updated · CNN · Jul 21
Summary
A Russian naval vessel carried out a 30-minute live-fire exercise in international waters about 40 nautical miles off Plymouth on Monday, and the Royal Navy monitored it throughout.
HMS Tyne was notified in advance, CNN understands, and moved to a safer distance at the ship’s request before the drill; the weapons used were not disclosed.
Wes Streeting called the move “performative and irresponsible,” while Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov denied any direct hint but said Burnham’s unconditional support for Ukraine was a factor Moscow would take into account.
Andy Burnham had vowed in a call with Volodymyr Zelensky on his first day as prime minister that Britain would keep “bearing down” on Russia with no change in its Ukraine policy.
The drill fits a broader uptick in Russian naval activity near Britain, after a shadow-fleet tanker was intercepted in the Channel last month and a Russian warship fired warning shots near a yacht in June.
How will Britain's new maritime force counter Russia's 'gunboat diplomacy' in the world's busiest sea lane?
As Russia flexes its naval power, are UK sanctions being undermined by its own energy import waivers?
Are live-fire drills near civilian shipping lanes a new norm, and can international law stop them?
Russian Naval Exercise Near Plymouth on July 20, 2026: Strategic Implications for UK and NATO
Overview
On July 20, 2026, the Russian frigate Neustrashimy conducted a live-fire artillery exercise in international waters south of Plymouth, UK, drawing close attention from the Royal Navy. The Neustrashimy used a 100mm cannon during the drill, which raised serious safety concerns, especially since a round of this size can ricochet for miles and the area is a busy shipping lane. Retired Royal Navy commander Tom Sharpe highlighted the risks, noting that only a warning was given to HMS Tyne before firing. This incident caused considerable apprehension about the potential danger to nearby vessels.