A fleet of Russian warships is heading towards the Mediterranean on a route past the British Isles as part of what is believed to be the country’s largest naval deployment since the cold war. A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: “When these ships near our waters we will man-mark them every step of the way. The Royal Navy destroyer HMS Duncan sailed from Portsmouth on Tuesday to join HMS Richmond in escorting the group on its voyage south. It is understood that shadowing ships is regular business for the Royal Navy, who have been supported by Royal Air Force surveillance aircraft on this occasion. Royal Navy ships will continue to escort the Russian task group and provide a visible presence south through the North Sea and Channel as the Russian fleet sails through and carry out their flying operations, the MoD said.

Source: The Guardian October 19, 2016 20:13 UTC