[h=3]From cold war to hot war[/h][h=1]Russia’s aggression in Ukraine is part of a broader, and more dangerous, confrontation with the West[/h]
Russia looks sure to be able to keep open its border with Ukraine and sustain the flow of arms and people. The siege of Debaltseve, a strategic transport hub held by Ukrainian forces, continues. Russia is holding military exercises on its side of the border. Crimea was not even mentioned.
In all this Mr Putin is evidently acting not only for Russia’s sake, but for his own. Mr Borodai, the rebel ideologue in Donetsk, says that if necessary the Russian volunteers who are fighting today in Donbas will tomorrow defend their president on the streets of Moscow. Yet, although Mr Putin may believe he is using nationalists, the nationalists believe they are using him to consolidate their power. What they aspire to, with or without Mr Putin, is that Russians rally behind the nationalist state and their leader to take on Western liberalism. This is not a conflict that could have been resolved in Minsk.
Russia looks sure to be able to keep open its border with Ukraine and sustain the flow of arms and people. The siege of Debaltseve, a strategic transport hub held by Ukrainian forces, continues. Russia is holding military exercises on its side of the border. Crimea was not even mentioned.
In all this Mr Putin is evidently acting not only for Russia’s sake, but for his own. Mr Borodai, the rebel ideologue in Donetsk, says that if necessary the Russian volunteers who are fighting today in Donbas will tomorrow defend their president on the streets of Moscow. Yet, although Mr Putin may believe he is using nationalists, the nationalists believe they are using him to consolidate their power. What they aspire to, with or without Mr Putin, is that Russians rally behind the nationalist state and their leader to take on Western liberalism. This is not a conflict that could have been resolved in Minsk.
Saved face, you mean?........It's a zero sum game.That's pretty funny! 'As Ukraine’s economy implodes, the tussle has increasingly had all the signs
of two bald men fighting over a comb.' Meanwhile, the rest of Ukraine is now offering wages
below those of Tajikistan. Maidan’s legacy has been to pauperise Ukrainians.'
Russia has its own economic problems, that's true but so has Europe, still nothing like
Ukraine. The shaky Eurozone recovery has been derailed by sanctions blowback.
Russian President Vladimir Putin says he expected fighting to continue in parts of eastern Ukraine despite the signing of a ceasefire deal.
But Mr Putin said there had been a "significant reduction" in the intensity of combat since the truce came into effect over the weekend.
Fierce fighting raged throughout Tuesday in key town Debaltseve, with rebels saying they control most areas.
International observers monitoring the truce have been unable to enter.
Debaltseve has become a key prize for rebels and Ukrainian forces, as it sits on a strategic railway line linking rebel-held Donetsk and Luhansk.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko described rebel attempts to take the town as a "cynical attack" on the ceasefire.
"Today the world must stop the aggressor," Mr Poroshenko said in a statement posted on his website following a phone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
"I call on the permanent members of the UN Security Council to prevent further violation of fundamental principles and rules of the UN and the unleashing of a full-scale war in the very centre of Europe," he said.
Speaking on a visit to Hungary, President Putin said he hoped the ceasefire agreements would be observed by both sides.
He said the conflict could not be solved by military means, but added that what was happening in Debaltseve was "understandable and predictable".
"I hope that the Ukrainian authorities are not going to prevent the Ukrainian soldiers from laying down their weapons," he said, adding that they should be allowed to return to their families if they gave themselves up.
Analysis: Paul Adams, BBC News, KramatorskThe wealth of claim and counter-claim around Debaltseve speaks volumes. It's hard to confirm any of today's stories.
Controversy surrounds the fate of dozens of government troops - rebel sources say they surrendered, while the army contends they were captured after running out of ammunition during an ambush.
The rebels say Debaltseve is not covered by the ceasefire agreement reached last week in Minsk and continue to insist that it's an "internal" matter. Between April and July last year, the town was in rebel hands. It sits astride the railway line linking two rebel strongholds, Donetsk and Luhansk.
Ukrainian TV has shown pictures of text messages sent to government soldiers in Debaltseve, allegedly from Russia. "Poroshenko and his generals have betrayed you," the messages read, referring to the Ukrainian president. "There's no need for you to die for them."
But Mr Putin said there had been a "significant reduction" in the intensity of combat since the truce came into effect over the weekend.
Fierce fighting raged throughout Tuesday in key town Debaltseve, with rebels saying they control most areas.
International observers monitoring the truce have been unable to enter.
Debaltseve has become a key prize for rebels and Ukrainian forces, as it sits on a strategic railway line linking rebel-held Donetsk and Luhansk.
Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko described rebel attempts to take the town as a "cynical attack" on the ceasefire.
"Today the world must stop the aggressor," Mr Poroshenko said in a statement posted on his website following a phone conversation with German Chancellor Angela Merkel.
"I call on the permanent members of the UN Security Council to prevent further violation of fundamental principles and rules of the UN and the unleashing of a full-scale war in the very centre of Europe," he said.
Speaking on a visit to Hungary, President Putin said he hoped the ceasefire agreements would be observed by both sides.
He said the conflict could not be solved by military means, but added that what was happening in Debaltseve was "understandable and predictable".
"I hope that the Ukrainian authorities are not going to prevent the Ukrainian soldiers from laying down their weapons," he said, adding that they should be allowed to return to their families if they gave themselves up.
Analysis: Paul Adams, BBC News, KramatorskThe wealth of claim and counter-claim around Debaltseve speaks volumes. It's hard to confirm any of today's stories.
Controversy surrounds the fate of dozens of government troops - rebel sources say they surrendered, while the army contends they were captured after running out of ammunition during an ambush.
The rebels say Debaltseve is not covered by the ceasefire agreement reached last week in Minsk and continue to insist that it's an "internal" matter. Between April and July last year, the town was in rebel hands. It sits astride the railway line linking two rebel strongholds, Donetsk and Luhansk.
Ukrainian TV has shown pictures of text messages sent to government soldiers in Debaltseve, allegedly from Russia. "Poroshenko and his generals have betrayed you," the messages read, referring to the Ukrainian president. "There's no need for you to die for them."
The separatists have offered Kiev's troops safe passage. Even if they become prisoners-of-war,
all POWs will be repatriated within days under the Minsk agreement. The alternative is senseless
carnage on a scale not seen on a European battlefield since WWII.
It is ridiculous to use their valuable soldiers that way. A few battles like this
you will see rebels at Kiev's door step. Putin urged the Ukrainian government
“not to prevent the soldiers in the Debaltsevo cauldron from surrendering, or
at least not punish those who simply want to save their lives.”
the only real threat to the ceasefire comes from the Ukrainian side which does not
wish to admit loss of Debaltsevo. They are not only playing with lives of their own troops
who have been offered a safe passage to the rest of Ukraine if they surrender their weapons,
they are willing to fail the whole process of demarkation for the sake of their delusion that
they are in control of the situation in Eastern Ukraine.
all POWs will be repatriated within days under the Minsk agreement. The alternative is senseless
carnage on a scale not seen on a European battlefield since WWII.
It is ridiculous to use their valuable soldiers that way. A few battles like this
you will see rebels at Kiev's door step. Putin urged the Ukrainian government
“not to prevent the soldiers in the Debaltsevo cauldron from surrendering, or
at least not punish those who simply want to save their lives.”
the only real threat to the ceasefire comes from the Ukrainian side which does not
wish to admit loss of Debaltsevo. They are not only playing with lives of their own troops
who have been offered a safe passage to the rest of Ukraine if they surrender their weapons,
they are willing to fail the whole process of demarkation for the sake of their delusion that
they are in control of the situation in Eastern Ukraine.
The US has accused Russia of violating the Minsk agreement on Ukraine, as the UN Security Council voted unanimously to approve the ceasefire deal.
Vice-President Joe Biden said "the costs to Russia will rise" if it continued to violate the accord.
Fighting is continuing around the strategic town of Debaltseve, with pro-Russian rebels saying they now control most areas.
Russian President Vladimir Putin urged Ukraine's troops there to surrender.
'Ironic'Although the Security Council unanimously approved a Russian-drafted resolution to endorse the ceasefire deal agreed in Minsk, Belarus, last week, angry words were exchanged among ambassadors.
US Ambassador Samantha Power said she "wholeheartedly welcomes this agreement" but said that Russia had to prove its commitment to peace.
She said: "Stop arming the separatists. Stop sending hundreds of heavy weapons across the border in addition to your troops. Stop pretending you are not doing what you are doing."
She added: "Russia signs agreements then does everything within its power to undermine them. Russia champions the sovereignty of nations and then acts as if a neighbour's borders do not exist."
Ms Power said it was "ironic" Russia had drafted the resolution while "backing an all-out assault" in Ukraine.
Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin called her comments "offensive".
"Since the very start of the crisis, Russia has actively called for a peaceful settlement through inclusive, transparent dialogue between all sides in the internal Ukrainian conflict," he said.
After speaking to Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, Mr Biden said he "strongly condemned the violation of the ceasefire by separatist forces acting in concert with Russian forces, in and around the town of Debaltseve".
Pro-Russian rebels leave for a combat mission near Debaltseve
US ambassador Samantha Power was hugely critical of Russia's actions
He added in a statement released by the White House: "If Russia continues to violate the Minsk agreements, including the most recent agreement signed on February 12, the costs to Russia will rise."
Mr Poroshenko described rebel attempts to take the town as a "cynical attack" on the ceasefire.
International observers monitoring the truce have been unable to enter Debaltseve.
The town has become a key prize for rebels and government forces, as it sits on a strategic railway line linking rebel-held Donetsk and Luhansk.
Analysis: Paul Adams, BBC News, Kramatorsk
The wealth of claim and counter-claim around Debaltseve speaks volumes. It's hard to confirm any of Tuesday's stories.
Controversy surrounds the fate of dozens of government troops - rebel sources say they surrendered, while the army contends they were captured after running out of ammunition during an ambush.
The rebels say Debaltseve is not covered by the ceasefire agreement reached last week in Minsk and continue to insist that it's an "internal" matter. Between April and July last year, the town was in rebel hands. It sits astride the railway line linking two rebel strongholds, Donetsk and Luhansk.
Ukrainian TV has shown pictures of text messages sent to government soldiers in Debaltseve, allegedly from Russia. "Poroshenko and his generals have betrayed you," the messages read, referring to the Ukrainian president. "There's no need for you to die for them."
Vice-President Joe Biden said "the costs to Russia will rise" if it continued to violate the accord.
Fighting is continuing around the strategic town of Debaltseve, with pro-Russian rebels saying they now control most areas.
Russian President Vladimir Putin urged Ukraine's troops there to surrender.
'Ironic'Although the Security Council unanimously approved a Russian-drafted resolution to endorse the ceasefire deal agreed in Minsk, Belarus, last week, angry words were exchanged among ambassadors.
US Ambassador Samantha Power said she "wholeheartedly welcomes this agreement" but said that Russia had to prove its commitment to peace.
She said: "Stop arming the separatists. Stop sending hundreds of heavy weapons across the border in addition to your troops. Stop pretending you are not doing what you are doing."
She added: "Russia signs agreements then does everything within its power to undermine them. Russia champions the sovereignty of nations and then acts as if a neighbour's borders do not exist."
Ms Power said it was "ironic" Russia had drafted the resolution while "backing an all-out assault" in Ukraine.
Russian Ambassador Vitaly Churkin called her comments "offensive".
"Since the very start of the crisis, Russia has actively called for a peaceful settlement through inclusive, transparent dialogue between all sides in the internal Ukrainian conflict," he said.
After speaking to Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, Mr Biden said he "strongly condemned the violation of the ceasefire by separatist forces acting in concert with Russian forces, in and around the town of Debaltseve".
He added in a statement released by the White House: "If Russia continues to violate the Minsk agreements, including the most recent agreement signed on February 12, the costs to Russia will rise."
Mr Poroshenko described rebel attempts to take the town as a "cynical attack" on the ceasefire.
International observers monitoring the truce have been unable to enter Debaltseve.
The town has become a key prize for rebels and government forces, as it sits on a strategic railway line linking rebel-held Donetsk and Luhansk.
Analysis: Paul Adams, BBC News, Kramatorsk
The wealth of claim and counter-claim around Debaltseve speaks volumes. It's hard to confirm any of Tuesday's stories.
Controversy surrounds the fate of dozens of government troops - rebel sources say they surrendered, while the army contends they were captured after running out of ammunition during an ambush.
The rebels say Debaltseve is not covered by the ceasefire agreement reached last week in Minsk and continue to insist that it's an "internal" matter. Between April and July last year, the town was in rebel hands. It sits astride the railway line linking two rebel strongholds, Donetsk and Luhansk.
Ukrainian TV has shown pictures of text messages sent to government soldiers in Debaltseve, allegedly from Russia. "Poroshenko and his generals have betrayed you," the messages read, referring to the Ukrainian president. "There's no need for you to die for them."
Ukraine's war: The human cost
- 5,486 people people killed and 12,972 wounded in eastern Ukraine
- Fatalities include 298 people on Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 shot down on 17 July
- 263 civilians killed in populated areas between 31 January and 5 February
- 5.2 million people estimated to be living in conflict areas
- 978,482 internally displaced people within Ukraine, including 119,832 children
- 600,000 fled to neighbouring countries, of whom more than 400,000 have gone to Russia
'Putin exploiting Nato's weakness': Former Supreme Allied Commander General Wesley Clark
US General Wesley Clark was Nato's supreme allied commander in Europe. Before air-strikes began in Kosovo in 1999, he threatened Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic that he would "bomb him, and bomb him good," if he didn't withdraw his forces. Gen Clark says it's that readiness to take action which gives the organisation its strength:
Gen Wesley Clark fears the Russians are exploiting the West's reluctance to use force
"Every country who signs the Nato pledge when it joins says that an attack on one is an attack against all. So Nato is conceptually the strongest alliance that's ever been built."
But he acknowledges that strength isn't realised if aggressors don't believe that Nato will act when a member is attacked:
"Western democracies always have, traditionally, been slow to respond to these kinds of threats. It was after all France and Britain who failed to respond to Hitler's reoccupation of the Rhineland in 1936.
"Today the democracies have a difficult time coming to grips with the challenge of military force... and they don't want to admit that Putin, while he's trying to broker peace [is] a main proponent of war."
Gen Clark argues President Putin is exploiting this hesitance.
"He's playing the politics. He's playing the media, he's playing the economic card and he's manoeuvring.
"He understands the way western democracies work. Europe had two devastating wars in the 20th Century [and] nobody wants another one. He's learned that because Western democracies don't want to use force that he can get away with it."
And with shrinking defence budgets, and war-weary populations Gen Clark says politicians need to work harder to get the public onside.
"It's the political leadership in member-states who have to help shape public opinion, and they have to see the situation clearly and call it as it is, not run from it. So Western leaders can't be so shy that they're intimidated by the bluster of a Vladimir Putin."
Others say Western leaders are being justifiably cautious.
How do you decide what constitutes an attack when the nature of warfare has changed: no longer state on state warfare, but little green men - Russian special forces in unmarked military uniform - crossing the border, and supporting separatists?
"The little green men are no different than the ploy that Hitler used to start World War II's attack against Poland where he dressed up German soldiers in Polish uniforms and had them attack a German radio station and kill a bunch of people, and claimed that was a provocation and used it for an attack.
"So there have always been tricks and ruses. These little green men are nothing more than Russian Special Forces people and the evidence is right in front of your face but we couldn't bring ourselves to admit it because we didn't want to admit the implications of direct Russian aggression."
US General Wesley Clark was Nato's supreme allied commander in Europe. Before air-strikes began in Kosovo in 1999, he threatened Serbian President Slobodan Milosevic that he would "bomb him, and bomb him good," if he didn't withdraw his forces. Gen Clark says it's that readiness to take action which gives the organisation its strength:
"Every country who signs the Nato pledge when it joins says that an attack on one is an attack against all. So Nato is conceptually the strongest alliance that's ever been built."
But he acknowledges that strength isn't realised if aggressors don't believe that Nato will act when a member is attacked:
"Western democracies always have, traditionally, been slow to respond to these kinds of threats. It was after all France and Britain who failed to respond to Hitler's reoccupation of the Rhineland in 1936.
"Today the democracies have a difficult time coming to grips with the challenge of military force... and they don't want to admit that Putin, while he's trying to broker peace [is] a main proponent of war."
Gen Clark argues President Putin is exploiting this hesitance.
"He's playing the politics. He's playing the media, he's playing the economic card and he's manoeuvring.
"He understands the way western democracies work. Europe had two devastating wars in the 20th Century [and] nobody wants another one. He's learned that because Western democracies don't want to use force that he can get away with it."
And with shrinking defence budgets, and war-weary populations Gen Clark says politicians need to work harder to get the public onside.
"It's the political leadership in member-states who have to help shape public opinion, and they have to see the situation clearly and call it as it is, not run from it. So Western leaders can't be so shy that they're intimidated by the bluster of a Vladimir Putin."
Others say Western leaders are being justifiably cautious.
How do you decide what constitutes an attack when the nature of warfare has changed: no longer state on state warfare, but little green men - Russian special forces in unmarked military uniform - crossing the border, and supporting separatists?
"The little green men are no different than the ploy that Hitler used to start World War II's attack against Poland where he dressed up German soldiers in Polish uniforms and had them attack a German radio station and kill a bunch of people, and claimed that was a provocation and used it for an attack.
"So there have always been tricks and ruses. These little green men are nothing more than Russian Special Forces people and the evidence is right in front of your face but we couldn't bring ourselves to admit it because we didn't want to admit the implications of direct Russian aggression."
'Russian aggression is a wake-up call': former Nato Secretary-General Anders Fogh RasmussenAnders Fogh Rasmussen's first speech as Nato secretary-general in September 2009 focussed on the importance of the Alliance's relationship with Russia. But when he left Nato in October after five years at the helm, his great dream for a new partnership with Russia was unrealised.
"On a personal basis I am indeed very disappointed. I think we had... a generational obligation to include Russia in a constructive partnership.
Anders Fogh Rasmussen: Nato Secretary General 2009 - 2014
"The crash of communism and the Soviet Union offered a new opportunity for Europeans to realise the dream of a Europe whole, free and at peace, so I think we did the right thing to try and include Russia in this vision. However, Russia didn't share that vision.
"I think we are now entering a new era that could be very much similar to the Cold War.
He says that the Baltic states are right to be worried about Russia's ambitions:
"Our Baltic friends and allies are concerned about the Russian behaviour, not least because one of the Russian doctrines is that Russia preserves the right to intervene in other countries, to protect what they consider the interests of Russian-speaking communities in other countries.
"And as we all know, particularly in Estonia and Latvia, we have significant Russian speaking minorities."
And he argues Russia's provocations aren't just aimed at the Baltic states: they're also targeting Nato itself.
"Russia is constantly testing Nato resolve
. We have seen a number of attempts to violate Nato airspace. We have seen very unfortunate incidents, for instance the capture of an Estonian military officer, the detention of a Lithuanian vessel, just to mention a couple of examples.
"We are now faced with this new hybrid warfare... so we have to adapt to improve our capability to address [it]."
Does Russia's use of hybrid warfare make it harder, then, for Nato to decide what constitutes an attack on a member state?
"Yes it makes it more difficult, and that's also I think the single most important purpose of this Russian hybrid warfare to try to circumvent the activation of Nato's Article 5. But we are prepared for that and they won't succeed.
So how do you then define when an attach has happened which breaches Article 5?
"We never answer that question, because it is part of our deterrence that a potential aggressor never knows how and when an activation of Article 5 will be triggered."
But he says there's something else that Nato needs to make more obvious - and that's its resolve to respond once Article 5 has been triggered.
"We need to make it clearer. We have learned lessons from the Russian attack on Ukraine, we have seen that the Russians can act very fast. The single most important thing is to increase Nato presence in the east, and strengthen our collective defence so that the Russians know that if they were to attack a Nato ally they would cross a red line and they would meet not only troops from that specific country but from all Nato allies.
"The Russian aggression against Ukraine is a wake up call for everybody and Nato must adapt to that new situation."
"On a personal basis I am indeed very disappointed. I think we had... a generational obligation to include Russia in a constructive partnership.
"The crash of communism and the Soviet Union offered a new opportunity for Europeans to realise the dream of a Europe whole, free and at peace, so I think we did the right thing to try and include Russia in this vision. However, Russia didn't share that vision.
"I think we are now entering a new era that could be very much similar to the Cold War.
He says that the Baltic states are right to be worried about Russia's ambitions:
"Our Baltic friends and allies are concerned about the Russian behaviour, not least because one of the Russian doctrines is that Russia preserves the right to intervene in other countries, to protect what they consider the interests of Russian-speaking communities in other countries.
"And as we all know, particularly in Estonia and Latvia, we have significant Russian speaking minorities."
And he argues Russia's provocations aren't just aimed at the Baltic states: they're also targeting Nato itself.
"Russia is constantly testing Nato resolve
. We have seen a number of attempts to violate Nato airspace. We have seen very unfortunate incidents, for instance the capture of an Estonian military officer, the detention of a Lithuanian vessel, just to mention a couple of examples.
"We are now faced with this new hybrid warfare... so we have to adapt to improve our capability to address [it]."
Does Russia's use of hybrid warfare make it harder, then, for Nato to decide what constitutes an attack on a member state?
"Yes it makes it more difficult, and that's also I think the single most important purpose of this Russian hybrid warfare to try to circumvent the activation of Nato's Article 5. But we are prepared for that and they won't succeed.
So how do you then define when an attach has happened which breaches Article 5?
"We never answer that question, because it is part of our deterrence that a potential aggressor never knows how and when an activation of Article 5 will be triggered."
But he says there's something else that Nato needs to make more obvious - and that's its resolve to respond once Article 5 has been triggered.
"We need to make it clearer. We have learned lessons from the Russian attack on Ukraine, we have seen that the Russians can act very fast. The single most important thing is to increase Nato presence in the east, and strengthen our collective defence so that the Russians know that if they were to attack a Nato ally they would cross a red line and they would meet not only troops from that specific country but from all Nato allies.
"The Russian aggression against Ukraine is a wake up call for everybody and Nato must adapt to that new situation."
[h=1]Navy frigate intercepts Russian warship in the Channel: HMS Argyll escorts heavily-armed vessel as tensions heighten between UK and Russia[/h]
A Russian warship was intercepted by the Royal Navy as it strayed close to the UK while passing through the English Channel.
The vessel – equipped with missiles, anti-aircraft guns and torpedoes – was monitored and escorted by a heavily-armed British frigate.
Yesterday, the Ministry of Defence stressed that the encounter was in accordance with international law. However, it comes at a time of heightened tension between Britain and Russia.
+2
Cat and mouse: Heavily-armed HMS Argyll follows the Russian warship, background left, as it passes through the English Channel
Last month, RAF jets were scrambled to intercept two Russian bombers capable of carrying nuclear missiles as they flew south of Bournemouth. And in November, a four-strong squadron of the country’s Northern Fleet sailed through the Channel.
The manoeuvres have raised fears that the Russians are looking for weaknesses in the British naval force.
In the latest incident, Plymouth-based HMS Argyll, which has a crew of 185, intercepted the Neustrashimy-class warship and its accompanying tanker as they headed home after a deployment in the Mediterranean.
The 4,900-ton Type 23 frigate used its Lynx helicopter and hi-tech sensors to locate the vessels off the French coast and track them as they entered the Channel.
The MoD said the Royal Navy took over from French surveillance, in line with the Nato agreement, and described the operation as ‘pretty routine’.
But military sources insisted it was vital the Armed Forces were poised to react swiftly as Russia has stepped up its military drills in recent months with a greater number of naval exercises and reports of incursions by Russian fighter jets and bombers.
A naval source said: ‘They were not provocative but the British public would expect nothing less of the Navy than to be alert and keep an eye out for any potential threat, and to be ready to react in case it that turns into an actual threat.’
+2
Plymouth-based HMS Argyll (pictured) intercepted the Neustrashimy-class warship and its accompanying tanker as they headed home after a deployment in the Mediterranean
It is understood that the Russian vessels complied with all maritime reporting regulations - they did not encroach on British waters and abided by the correct regulations while passing through the Strait of Dover.
A MoD spokesman estimated that a Russian warship was escorted through the Channel every few months.
Russia has been suspected of military provocation as its economy continues to suffer under international sanctions.
These have been imposed by the West over allegations that Moscow has been providing troops and equipment to separatist rebels in Ukraine.
Many other European countries have reported what are widely seen as displays of Russian military prowess.
Britain summoned the Russian ambassador for a dressing down after the long-range bombers flew over the Channel close to UK airspace last month, disrupting civil aviation and prompting Britain to scramble two Typhoon fast jets.
Experts said Vladimir Putin’s move to send planes capable of carrying cruise missiles so close to British shores could be seen as an act of aggression.
More than 100 Russian aircraft were intercepted last year, three times more than during the whole of 2013.
In November, HMS Tyne, a Type 45 destroyer, escorted a Russian flotilla led by the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov through the English Channel.
- Russian warship was intercepted by Royal Navy as it strayed close to UK
- The vessel was equipped with missiles, anti-aircraft guns and torpedoes
- Russian boat was monitored and escorted by HMS Argyll - an armed frigate
- MoD stressed that the encounter was in accordance with international law
- But it comes at a time of heightened tension between Britain and Russia
A Russian warship was intercepted by the Royal Navy as it strayed close to the UK while passing through the English Channel.
The vessel – equipped with missiles, anti-aircraft guns and torpedoes – was monitored and escorted by a heavily-armed British frigate.
Yesterday, the Ministry of Defence stressed that the encounter was in accordance with international law. However, it comes at a time of heightened tension between Britain and Russia.
+2
Cat and mouse: Heavily-armed HMS Argyll follows the Russian warship, background left, as it passes through the English Channel
Last month, RAF jets were scrambled to intercept two Russian bombers capable of carrying nuclear missiles as they flew south of Bournemouth. And in November, a four-strong squadron of the country’s Northern Fleet sailed through the Channel.
The manoeuvres have raised fears that the Russians are looking for weaknesses in the British naval force.
In the latest incident, Plymouth-based HMS Argyll, which has a crew of 185, intercepted the Neustrashimy-class warship and its accompanying tanker as they headed home after a deployment in the Mediterranean.
The 4,900-ton Type 23 frigate used its Lynx helicopter and hi-tech sensors to locate the vessels off the French coast and track them as they entered the Channel.
The MoD said the Royal Navy took over from French surveillance, in line with the Nato agreement, and described the operation as ‘pretty routine’.
But military sources insisted it was vital the Armed Forces were poised to react swiftly as Russia has stepped up its military drills in recent months with a greater number of naval exercises and reports of incursions by Russian fighter jets and bombers.
A naval source said: ‘They were not provocative but the British public would expect nothing less of the Navy than to be alert and keep an eye out for any potential threat, and to be ready to react in case it that turns into an actual threat.’
+2
Plymouth-based HMS Argyll (pictured) intercepted the Neustrashimy-class warship and its accompanying tanker as they headed home after a deployment in the Mediterranean
It is understood that the Russian vessels complied with all maritime reporting regulations - they did not encroach on British waters and abided by the correct regulations while passing through the Strait of Dover.
A MoD spokesman estimated that a Russian warship was escorted through the Channel every few months.
Russia has been suspected of military provocation as its economy continues to suffer under international sanctions.
These have been imposed by the West over allegations that Moscow has been providing troops and equipment to separatist rebels in Ukraine.
Many other European countries have reported what are widely seen as displays of Russian military prowess.
Britain summoned the Russian ambassador for a dressing down after the long-range bombers flew over the Channel close to UK airspace last month, disrupting civil aviation and prompting Britain to scramble two Typhoon fast jets.
Experts said Vladimir Putin’s move to send planes capable of carrying cruise missiles so close to British shores could be seen as an act of aggression.
More than 100 Russian aircraft were intercepted last year, three times more than during the whole of 2013.
In November, HMS Tyne, a Type 45 destroyer, escorted a Russian flotilla led by the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov through the English Channel.
