A Russian frigate Yaroslav Mudry sailed through the English Channel on Friday — where it was closely followed by the Royal Navy in another sign of heightened tensions between the two countries.

The 423-foot Russian ship cruised close to the English coastline and past the Dover Straight while the HMS St Albans, the Royal Navy’s “very high readiness ship” that is charged with coastal defense, kept a wary eye on it, according to a report in the UK’s Sun newspaper.

The UK’s vessel is equipped with a Merlin helicopter from Culdrose-based 829 Naval Air Squadron and state-of-the-art radar, the paper reported.

“As the Royal Navy’s high readiness unit in UK waters, we are the first responders to any potential incursion into UK waters and are highly trained in this role,” said Commander John Cromie, the commanding officer of the St Albans.

“Our activation today in response to the passage of a Russian warship close to the UK resulted in a cordial interaction between professional sailors based on the recognized conventions at sea,” he continued.

“We are always standing ready, as is the rest of the fleet, to defend UK waters and UK sovereignty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

The encounter came after Downing Street blamed the Kremlin for poisoning former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter with the Soviet-era nerve agent Novichok earlier this month.

The US, Britain and France’s coordinated attack on Syria also irritated Vladimir Putin, who is trying to prop up fellow strongman Bashar al-Assad’s regime in the war-torn country’s civil war.</s>Have your say

A PORTSMOUTH Royal Navy frigate from Portsmouth is escorting a Russian warship through the English Channel and Dover Strait.

The Type 23 frigate HMS St Albans is escorting the Yaroslav Mudry (named after Yaroslav the Wise from Ukraine) round the UK coastline.

HMS St Albans is the current Fleet Ready Escort – and is therefore charged with protecting UK waters.

The navy was reacting to the Russian warship sailing close to the UK coastline.

HMS St Albans equipped with a Merlin helicopter from 829 Naval Air Squadron, as well as state-of-the-art radar.

Commander John Cromie, Commanding Officer of HMS St Albans, said: ‘As the Royal Navy’s high readiness unit in UK waters, we are the first responders to any potential incursion into UK waters and are highly trained in this role.

‘Our activation today in response to the passage of a Russian warship close to the UK resulted in a cordial interaction between professional sailors based on the recognised conventions at sea.

‘We are always standing ready, as is the rest of the fleet, to defend UK waters and UK sovereignty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.’</s>HMS St Albans was scrambled to intercept Russian frigate Yaroslav Mudry as it passed off the UK coastline. The Royal Navy vessel shadowed Putin's ship amid heightened tensions between Britian and the Russia. Defence officials confirmed the vessel was heading for the Atlantic – and the ship is believed to be heading for Syria. Russian warships are often intercepted and shadowed by the Royal Navy as they pass through the English Channel. And more of Putin's vessels are expected to pass through the this weekend, with the Minsk 127 expected to pass through the Dover Strait.

Commander John Cromie, commanding officer of HMS St Albans, said: “As the Royal Navy’s high readiness unit in UK waters we are the first responders.” “Our activation today in response to the passage of a Russian warship close to the UK resulted in a cordial interaction between professional sailors based on the recognised conventions at sea. “We are always standing ready, as is the rest of the fleet to defend UK waters and UK Sovereignty 24 hours a day, 365 days a-year.”

HMS St Albans previously intercepted a Russian warship on Christmas day – following Admiral Gorshov as it passed through the English Channel.

 The Royal Navy vessel – nicknamed The Saint – weighs 4,900 tons and is around 463 ft long. She is armed with Sea Wolf anti-air missles, along with Sting Ray and Harpoon anti-submarine and anti-ship weapons. And at the front of her deck is a 4.5 inch naval gun, while at the rear is space for a Merlin helicopter armed with machine guns and depth charges.

Meanwhile, Neustrashimy-class vessel Yaroslav Mudry weighs 4,400 tons and is bristling with anti-ship missiles called Switchblades. It was involved in a clash with the US back in June 2016 when it sailed close to USS Gravely in the Mediterranean. Putin has been keeping a large naval presence in the Med due to his support of the Syrian regime and his bombing of ISIS. Russia's naval base Tartus emptied last week amid fears of a strike launched by the US and its allies.

Tensions between Britain and Russia have esclataed due the poisoning of MI6 double agent Sergei Skripal and the UK's strike on Syria along with the US and France. Britian accused Putin's government of masterminding the poisoning of the spy, and for helping to support the regime of dictator Bashar al-Assad. Previously. defence secretary Gavin Williamson said: “I will not hesitate in defending our waters or tolerate any form of aggression. "Britain will never be intimidated when it comes to protecting our country, our people, and our national interests.”</s>HMS St Albans intercepted Russia’s Neustrashimyy-class 423 ft (129m) frigate Yaroslav Mudry has it passed along the English coastline and Dover Strait. The Russian warship, which specialises in anti-submarine warfare, is thought to have been on “Syria duty” as tensions remain high following the UK’s backing of a targeted bombing of the Syrian government's military bases. The joint bombing with the US and France was launched in retaliation for the chemical weapons attack carried out by Assad’s regime against his own people earlier this month. It is unclear whether the Russian frigate, which is equipped with anti-ship and anti-submarine missiles as well sonar detection equipment, was on its way to or from Syria’s coastline.

HMS St Albans shadowed the 4,400 ton Russian craft until it left the English Channel. Commander John Cromie, the Commanding Officer of HMS St Albans, said: “As the Royal Navy's high readiness unit in UK waters, we are the first responders to any potential incursion into UK waters and are highly trained in this role. “Our activation today in response to the passage of a Russian warship close to the UK resulted in a cordial interaction between professional sailors based on the recognised conventions at sea. “We are always standing ready, as is the rest of the fleet, to defend UK waters and UK sovereignty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.”

Russia regularly pushes the patience and nerve of Britain by sailing huge ships through the Channel. Another Russian warship is also said to have put the Royal Navy on high alert with one of Russia's Ropucha-class landing ships expected to pass through the English Channel in the coming days. After being pictured passing the Strait of Gibraltar on Sunday, the fearsome vessel is expected to continue up the Atlantic and then through the English Channel. The Minsk 127 has spent almost a year in the Med and Black Sea and is now en route back home.

The landing ship regularly carries huge amounts of weapons and has been heavily involved in helping Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad cling onto control in his country. Yörük Işık, a Turkish naval observer, said: “The Ropucha class Baltic Fleet landing ship will transit the Strait of Dover, very likely this Saturday.” And last November, the Russian destroyer Vice Admiral Kulakov raised tensions when it passed through the Channel without permission. Royal Navy frigate HMS Somerset was scrambled to escort the ship from UK waters as it returned from the Mediterranean Sea.</s>A British warship escorted a Russian warship out of the English Channel, just off the coast of Dover today.

The Russian battleship, which specialises in anti-submarine warfare, was on its way to or from patrolling the coast of Syria, against a background of continuing tension between UK and Russia.

As the Neustrashimyy-class ship passed through the English Channel and Dover Strait, it was shadowed by the Royal Navy Frigate HMS St Albans, The Mirror reports.

The St Albans, which is itself loaded with anti-ship and anti-submarine torpedoes and guns, followed the 4,400 tonne Russian destroyer overnight.

Commander John Cromie, commanding officer of HMS St Albans, said: “As the Royal Navy’s high readiness unit in UK waters we are the first responders.”

“Our activation today in response to the passage of a Russian warship close to the UK resulted in a cordial interaction between professional sailors based on the recognised conventions at sea.

“We are always standing ready, as is the rest of the fleet to defend UK waters and UK Sovereignty 24 hours a day, 365 days a-year.”

It is not the first time Russian warships have passed close to Kent.

Russian warships have for the past several years frequently passed through the English Channel on the way to or back from coastal patrols off Syria but as tensions between UK and Russia grow there have been increasingly tense escorts of Russian Navy vessels.

RAF Typhoon fighter jets have also been scrambled to warn away Russian bombers and spy planes from UK airspace and it is believed the Russian Navy has sent submarines on underwater incursions to our shore to test our sea defences.

British Tornado bombers took part in a missile strike on chemical weapons installations in Syria as part of a US-led attack.

Russian president Vladimir Putin condemned the attack as “an act of aggression”.

Attempts by the UN security council to put measures in place against Syria have repeatedly been vetoed by Russia.

To keep up to date with all the latest breaking news, stories and events happening across Folkestone, give our Facebook page a like. We will provide you with the latest traffic and travel updates, including updates on Southeastern train services, the M20 and the A20. The latest breaking news will be brought straight to your news feed including updates from the police, ambulance and fire and rescue services. We will also bring you updates from our courts and councils, as well as more lighthearted long reads. We publish your pictures and videos, so do message us with your stories. Like the Folkestone Herald Facebook page here.</s>A British warship is today escorting a Russian destroyer out of the English Channel.

The Royal Navy frigate HMS St Albans has been scrambled to intercept Russia’s Neustrashimyy-class battleship, which specialises in anti-submarine warfare

The Russian destroyer is thought to be on “Syria duty”, the Mirror reports .

St Albans, which is due to be transferred to Devonport as part of a major shake-up of the fleet, is thought to have shadowed the 4,400 ton Russian craft - which is bristling with anti-ship and anti-submarine missiles and sonar detection equipment - overnight.

The Portsmouth-based British Type 23 frigate and her crew is also loaded with anti-ship and anti-sub torpedos and guns, ready for warfare.

Last night it was not clear whether the Russian craft was on the way to or from Syria’s coastline.

Commander John Cromie, commanding officer of HMS St Albans, said: “As the Royal Navy’s high readiness unit in UK waters we are the first responders.”

“Our activation today in response to the passage of a Russian warship close to the UK resulted in a cordial interaction between professional sailors based on the recognised conventions at sea.

“We are always standing ready, as is the rest of the fleet to defend UK waters and UK Sovereignty 24 hours a day, 365 days a-year.”

Russian warships have for the past several years frequently passed through the English Channel on the way to or back from coastal patrols off Syria.

But growing tensions between Britain and the Kremlin have led to more tense escorts of the Russian Navy vessels.

Russian bombers and spy planes have also been warned away from UK airspace in recent years as they probe the UK defences and reaction times.

But each time they have been warned away from UK airspace after the RAF scrambled Typhoon fighter jets on emergency duties.

It is also believed that the Russian Navy has made underwater incursions close to the British shore in submarines, to test UK sea defences.

British Tornado bombers which are currently based in Cyprus recently took part in a 100-strong missile strike on Syrian President Assad’s chemical weapons installations.

The US-led attack, which was supported by Britain and France, was viewed as an act of aggression against Russia, which is a close ally of Assad and his regime.

Russia has repeatedly vetoed attempts at the UN security council to impose measures against Syria, following regime atrocities against civilians.

In January HMS Westminster was rushed from Portsmouth by the Ministry of Defense (MoD) - tasked with keeping an eye on Vladimir Putin 's fighting force as they passed close to UK territorial waters.

The Russian fleet making its way through the Channel is understood to be made up of two warships and two supporting vessels.

The British vessel - which returned to the sea last year after a refit including a new weapon system - will remain with the two Steregushchiy-class frigates Soobrazitelny and Boiky and support vessels Paradoks and Kola as they head north.</s>The HMS St Albans is a Type 23 frigate of the Royal Navy that was launched on the River Clyde in 2000.

All Type 23 frigates were designed to deal with the Soviet submarine threat – but in the 20 years since the USSR, the ships have proven their versatility by dealing with various missions all over the world.

It has a top speed of 28 knots, has 185 personnel on board and a nautical range of 7,800 miles.

It also has a MK8 gun. The 4.5in main gun can fire up to two dozen high explosive shells, per minute, weighing more than 40kg (80lbs) at targets more than a dozen miles away. It can hit targets nearly 18 miles if special extended-range shells are used.

The main purpose of the gun is Naval Gunfire Support – artillery bombardment of shore targets.

It also carries small-calibre such as SA80, General Purpose Machine Gun and 9mm guns for use against both surface and airborne targets.

It also has a harpoon capable of striking targets more than 80 miles away.

It also has a Seawolf missile.</s>The British Royal Navy ship HMS Albion will be docked at Tanjung Priok port in Jakarta for a three day visit, aimed to increase defence engagement with the Indonesian Armed Forces. During the visit, members of the ship crew will conduct bilateral talks with the Indonesian Navy, UK defence industry and visit a local orphanage.

We have a growing defence relationship with Indonesia that supports our joint security interests and promotes prosperity. The deployment of HMS Albion in Indonesia provides an opportunity to support our partners in delivering maritime security in the region. Like Indonesia, the UK has a strong maritime history. We share a naval trading heritage. We will both remain maritime nations. It is in both of our interests to enjoy secure, accessible and sustainable maritime domains.

HMS Albion is a very capable warship, manned by a crew of highly trained and hugely professional sailors and Royal Marines and we are greatly looking forward to visiting Jakarta to help strengthen the bonds between the UK and Indonesia. The presence of the Royal Navy’s flagship in Asia-Pacific demonstrates that the UK is ready to work with our friends and allies to promote peace, security and prosperity throughout this vital region.
• HMS Albion is a Landing Platform Dock – a type of amphibious operations vessel with a small force of embarked Royal Marines.
• HMS Albion will be visiting Jakarta at the same time as the French Navy ship FS LHD Dixmude and Frigate Surcouf
• Media are invited to attend the welcome ceremony and tour of HMS Albion at Tanjung Priok port on Sunday, 22 April at 1100hrs (JICT 2, Dermaga 203 Kaluku)
• Crew of HMS Albion will also be visiting Nuruz Zahroh orphanage for social activities on Sunday, 22 April at 1330hrs. Logistics for media will be provided.
• For further information please contact Embassy’s press officer Raras Tulandaru at raras.tulandaru@fco.gov.uk</s>A Russian warship passed close to the UK coastline today as it was closely watched by HMS St Albans.

The 423 ft (129m) frigate Yaroslav Mudry made it through the English coastline and Dover Strait.

The Russian move is the latest in a series of sabre-rattling tests of the British military by Vladimir Putin's navy and air force.

It comes as relations between the UK and Russia are at their frostiest since the Cold War, thanks to UK involvement in airstrikes in Russian ally Syria and the controversy over the nerve agent poisoning of former spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia.

The HMS St Albans is armed with machine guns, Harpoon and Seawolf missiles, a Merlin helicopter from Culdrose-based 829 Naval Air Squadron and state-of-the-art radar.

It was previously called out in December to intercept the Admiral Gorshkov when it came close to UK territories.

The Type-23 frigate is based in Portsmouth and has been having been activated earlier this week and keeping a close eye on the Russian warship.

It is the Royal Navy's very high readiness ship and its duty is the integrity of UK waters.

Commander John Cromie, the Commanding Officer of HMS St Albans, said: 'As the Royal Navy's high readiness unit in UK waters, we are the first responders to any potential incursion into UK waters and are highly trained in this role.

'Our activation today in response to the passage of a Russian warship close to the UK resulted in a cordial interaction between professional sailors based on the recognised conventions at sea.

'We are always standing ready, as is the rest of the fleet, to defend UK waters and UK sovereignty 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.'

It comes as tensions between the UK and Russia are rising as Downing Street blamed Moscow for poisoning former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter with nerve agent Novichok.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said in December: 'I will not hesitate in defending our waters or tolerate any form of aggression.

'Britain will never be intimidated when it comes to protecting our country, our people, and our national interests.'</s>Two Royal Navy training ships docked in Hartlepool durng a visit to boost links with the town’s maritime museum.

The National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool has further strengthened its ties with the Royal Navy after welcoming two naval vessels to the town.

Crews from HMS Example and HMS Explorer visited the museum’s site while docked in Hartlepool, which is home to HMS Trincomalee, Britain’s oldest warship still afloat.

HMS Example forms part of the Northumbrian University Royal Naval Unit (URNU), acting as a training ship for students at Durham, Newcastle, Northumbria, Teesside and Sunderland universities.

HMS Explorer, which operates on the East Coast and is based in Kingston-Upon-Hull, is assigned to the Yorkshire URNU, serving the universities of Hull, Leeds and Sheffield.

The crews of the Archer-class P2000-type patrol and training vessels visited the museum and met with staff, while the students and crew on board HMS Example, including Commanding Officer, Leiutenant Duncan Napier, were given a tour of the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool.

This latest visit follows a recent stopover by the crew of HMS Tyne, an offshore patrol vessel that provides fishery protection on the UK’s waters, to the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool, in March.

Roslyn Adamson, general manager at the National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool, said: “We were delighted to welcome the crews of HMS Example and HMS Explorer, as we continue to strengthen our relationship with the Royal Navy and its vessels operating across the UK.

“They provide crucial services defending our waters, as well as educating students up and down the country.

“It was another fantastic opportunity to catch up with the crews and discuss the calendar of events and work at our historic museum’s site, while learning more about their duties.

“We look forward to welcoming the staff and students again in the near future.”

The National Museum of the Royal Navy Hartlepool and HMS Trincomalee, which is docked at Jackson Dock, Hartlepool, is one of the North East’s iconic visitor attractions.

The museum is open daily from 10am to 5pm until October. The last admission is one hour before closing.
Russian frigate Yaroslav Mudry passes through the English Channel, and is shadowed by Royal Navy coastal defence ship HMS St Albans.