Royal Navy tracks Russian warships and sanctioned cargo vessels in three-day North Sea operation

In an intensive three-day mission, Royal Navy warships HMS Duncan, HMS St Albans and HMS Severn, supported by a Merlin helicopter, tracked four Russian vessels in the North Sea and English Channel. The focus was on the destroyer Admiral Levchenko as it escorted the sanctioned cargo ships General Skobelev and Sparta southward, prompting Russia to deploy the frigate Neustrashimy in response. First Sea Lord Gen Sir Gwyn Jenkins noted that the operation has compelled Russia’s shadow fleet to reroute, raising their operational costs and causing delays.

After the British effort, a NATO ally took over surveillance off the French coast. The patrol follows a June interception of the Russian-flagged tanker Smyrtos by Royal Marine Commandos, National Crime Agency officers and RAF support, which led to the arrest of an Indian national for sanctions violations. The UK has blacklisted over 500 vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet, while recent analysis shows Russian oil and gas revenues fell to 23% of the state budget in 2025.