Russian warships are expected to sail through the Channel next week at a time of heightened tensions between Britain and Moscow over the war in Syria. The navy said it and Nato routinely monitor other nations’ fleets when they enter UK waters, but the voyage comes amid western anger at Russia’s alleged complicity in bombing civilians. The UK foreign secretary, Boris Johnson, has infuriated Moscow with his accusations that Russian forces should be investigated for alleged war crimes in Syria, and his subsequent calls to protest outside the Russian embassy. The foreign secretary told the Commons foreign affairs committee on Thursday that the time had come to look at “more kinetic options” – including military options. The Foreign Office insisted that his comments were not intended as a first step towards military intervention in the bloody civil war.

Source: The Guardian October 15, 2016 13:07 UTC