Russian ship Viktor Leonov off the coast of Scotland. The Royal Navy sent helicopters

According to the British Ministry of Defense, between September 29 and October 8, the Russian reconnaissance ship Viktor Leonov was moving in the area of ​​the Outer Hebrides, an archipelago located west of the coast of Scotland.

The unit, classified in NATO nomenclature as the Wisznia class, was followed by Merlin helicopters of the British Navy.

According to the ministry, the Russian ship "closely monitored" NATO units participating in the Strike Warrior exercises.

About 2,000 people took part in the maneuvers. soldiers from six countries, including Great Britain, Canada, Germany and the United States.

The British emphasized that Merlin helicopters were quickly transferred to Scotland from the Culdrose base in Cornwall.

It demonstrated to us, our adversaries and our nation that we have the will and ability to defend our homeland 24 hours a day," said Captain James Hall.

The Ministry of Defense also informed about other actions of the British Navy against Russian ships. In the first half of October, the destroyer HMS Dauntless and the patrol ship HMS Tyne went out to meet the Russian frigate Nieustraszymyj in the English Channel.

"Over the past three months, the Russians have been forced to use this warship to protect their illegal shipments. The United Kingdom is playing a leading role in countering the Russian shadow fleet," the statement noted.

In mid-October, HMS Tyne also observed the Russian ship Aleksandr Shabalin. According to the British Ministry, the unit was escorting a merchant ship and a tug in the English Channel.

British government data shows that in the first seven months of the year, the number of Royal Navy interventions related to the activity of Russian warships in and near British waters was a quarter higher than in the same period last year.