Russian ship seen ‘waiting’ in English Channel, Nato source says

Currently near offshore UK wind farms

According to The i Paper, a Russian naval vessel is currently “waiting” in the English Channel near offshore UK wind farms.

The vessel, an Amur-class repair and logistics ship, is a 122m floating workshop designed to maintain Vladimir Putin’s Baltic fleet of ships.

It is designed for the upkeep of ships and submarines, with 18 currently believed to be in the Russian Navy, and it was monitored on Monday evening by Nato Maritime Command (MARCOM).

The ship was spotted loitering at the eastern entrance of the English Channel, around 50km off the coast of Colchester.

Its location was confirmed by a senior Nato source, who said that they believed the ship was “waiting”.

According to data provided by Starboard Maritime Intelligence, a UK Border Force vessel was spotted sailing near the Russian naval ship. The UK CWind Typhoon is on contract with nearby offshore wind farms.

RAF Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft were also spotted flying over the area throughout Monday.

They are designed for anti-submarine warfare, surveillance, as well as search and rescue missions.

Russia’s vessels continue to test Downing Street’s resolve, in spite of the UK threatening to seize shadow fleet ships that help fund Moscow’s war with Ukraine.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said that Putin should be in “no doubt” that “we’re going after his shadow fleet even harder”, as he announced new powers for the military to seize suspect vessels in January.

Dozens of sanctioned ships, many forming part of Russia’s Shadow Fleet, have traversed through the Channel without challenge since then.

This year, more than 300 sanctioned or suspect Russian-linked ships have transited the waterway on the UK’s coastline, revealing a sophisticated network designed to keep oil, parts and supplies flowing, in spite of sanctions from the West.