Image Credits: Royal Navy The Royal Navy said Russian naval activity around the UK and in the North Atlantic increased by 25% during the first seven months of 2026 compared with the same period last year, leading to a rise in British naval surveillance operations. The navy said British warships and aircraft spent 21 days monitoring Russian warships and submarines in July alone, also a 25% increase compared with July 2025. The increase comes as Russian warships continue escorting tankers linked to Russia’s shadow fleet through waters monitored by the UK, adding to the Royal Navy’s operational workload. The latest figures were released weeks after British authorities interdicted the sanctioned shadow fleet tanker Smyrtos in the English Channel in June. According to the Royal Navy, Russian frigate RFN Neustrashimy repeatedly sailed through the UK’s area of responsibility while escorting shadow fleet tankers along recognised shipping routes. British warships HMS Somerset, HMS Tyne, HMS Mersey and HMS Severn, along with Wildcat helicopters from 815 Naval Air Squadron and Merlin anti-submarine warfare aircraft, were involved in monitoring Russian naval movements throughout July. The UK has already sanctioned more than 500 vessels as part of its campaign against Russia’s shadow fleet. The Royal Navy said Russia’s oil and gas revenues fell by 24% year-on-year in 2025. “By disrupting the shadow fleet, the UK and international partners are directly bearing down on the resources sustaining Russia’s aggression in Ukraine and reducing its capacity to threaten security across Europe and beyond,” the Royal Navy said. On July 20, HMS Tyne was monitoring Neustrashimy when the Russian frigate carried out gunnery exercises outside British and French territorial waters. The British patrol vessel moved to within five nautical miles of the Russian warship and continued collecting intelligence during the exercise. The Royal Navy said Tyne ob