Frigate shadows Russian warship

A Royal Navy frigate has been sent to shadow a Russian warship in the English Channel.

HMS St Albans has been tasked with keeping watch on the Russian cruiser Marshal Ustinov.

A navy spokesman said: “The Russian unit recently left the Mediterranean and was tracked by French warships through the Bay of Biscay.

“As the fleet ready escort, HMS St Albans is the Royal Navy’s very high readiness ship charged with protecting the integrity of UK waters.”

Commander John Cromie, commanding officer of HMS St Albans, said: “The interaction between St Albans and Marshal Ustinov has proven both cordial and professional, reflecting the mutual understanding of customs that exist between professional mariners.”