Wed, 17 Jun 2026 Kyiv 19:07Berlin 18:07London 17:07 UKR / DE / EN

Russian warship fires warning shots at British yacht in English Channel

A Russian warship fired warning shots at a yacht sailing under the British flag in the English Channel, according to British defense sources. The incident occurred about 20 nautical miles south of the Isle of Wight.

Russian warship fires warning shots at British yacht in English Channel
Photo: Tagesschau

The yacht’s crew reported the shots, which were fired outside British territorial waters. Russia justified the action by claiming the yacht had approached on a “dangerous course.” No injuries or damage have been reported so far.

A spokesperson for the British Ministry of Defense said they are investigating the reports. At the time of the incident, the Royal Navy patrol vessel Mersey was monitoring the Russian warship. British media identified the ship as the Admiral Grigorovich, a 125-meter frigate with a crew of up to 220.

The incident comes against the backdrop of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine. Just on Sunday, British armed forces stopped a sanctioned tanker in the English Channel that is considered part of Russia’s shadow fleet. However, authorities see no connection between the two events.

Source: Tagesschau