Britain’s seas are becoming a frontline in the growing confrontation with Moscow, with Royal Navy warships being sent out twice a week to shadow Russian vessels and suspected sanctions-busting oil tankers.
New Ministry of Defence figures reveal the Navy was activated 116 times in the past year to monitor almost 90 Russian or Russian-linked ships operating inside Britain’s exclusive economic zone.
The operations involved tracking 61 Russian warships and submarines, alongside 28 merchant vessels suspected of belonging to Vladimir Putin’s so-called “shadow fleet” — a network of ageing tankers accused of helping Russia evade Western sanctions and keep oil revenues flowing to fund its war in Ukraine.
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The figures come after a stark warning from First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, who said Russian activity around Britain’s maritime borders had surged by almost a third in just two years.
He warned the UK was effectively facing an “open sea border” with Russia across the North Atlantic as Moscow tests NATO’s resolve.
A defence source said the Kremlin was engaged in a constant campaign of pressure against Britain.
“Russia is constantly trying to pressure the UK and tighten the screws,” the source told The Telegraph, describing the situation as a “significant challenge” for the Royal Navy.
Tensions escalated dramatically in June when Royal Marines boarded and seized an alleged Russian-linked shadow fleet tanker around 25 miles off the Isle of Wight.
The operation marked the first UK-led interception of its kind and came after years of criticism that Britain and its allies had failed to adequately confront vessels suspected of breaking sanctions.
The Navy has also been involved in countering covert Russian activity beneath the waves.
Earlier this year, British officials revealed that the UK and allied forces had disrupted a suspected Russian submarine operation aimed at surveying critical undersea infrastructure.
With concerns mounting over attacks on cables, pipelines and energy networks, Britain’s maritime defences are facing their most intense test since the Cold War.
The Royal Navy’s increasing patrol tempo reflects a new reality: the battle for control of Europe’s waters is no longer confined to distant oceans — it is unfolding on Britain’s doorstep.
A spokesman for the MoD said: “The Royal Navy monitors maritime activity around the UK 24/7 to protect our waters and critical national infrastructure.
As Russian warships operate near our shores, our sailors and aircrew watch and track their every move.
“The defence investment plan outlines spending commitments to strengthen our deterrence – including our £1.5bn investment in creating a new hybrid Navy with state-of-the-art crewed ships and drones.”
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