A Russian frigate, the Neustrashimy, conducted a live-fire artillery exercise approximately 40 nautical miles south of Plymouth on Monday, according to reports. The Royal Navy vessel HMS Tyne monitored the operation and reported that the Russian warship had informed it of its intentions to conduct gunnery activity. The Neustrashimy requested HMS Tyne reposition to a safer distance, which it did. The exercise took place in international waters and lasted for 30 minutes. A French military aircraft also shadowed the Russian frigate and made radio contact to clarify its intentions. The Ministry of Defence stated that the Royal Navy is continuing to track the vessel's activity closely. This incident serves as a reminder of increased Russian naval activity near UK waters in recent months. In June, Royal Marine Commandos boarded a Russian oil tanker in the English Channel, an operation described as the first of its kind by UK armed forces. Also in June, a British couple reported being fired upon with warning shots by a Russian warship, the Admiral Grigorovich, in international waters off the Isle of Wight. The Russian defense ministry stated the shots were a response to a "dangerous approach," while the couple maintained they were not on a collision course. Russian warships frequently navigate international waters in the Channel.