A Russian warship, the Neustrashimy, conducted live-fire drills in the English Channel yesterday, approximately 45 miles from the British coast. Prior to the exercise, the Russian vessel requested a nearby British patrol ship, HMS Tyne, to maintain a safe distance. The exercise lasted half an hour and was monitored by both the British Navy and a French military aircraft. While legal on international waters with proper warnings, such exercises with live ammunition are uncommon in the region, especially with short notice. This event follows recent increased tensions, including warning shots fired by another Russian vessel and the boarding of a Russian-linked oil tanker by British commandos due to sanctions evasion. The Neustrashimy recently replaced the Admiral Grigorovich, which previously fired warning shots at a British yacht. British officials have expressed concerns about potential Russian retaliation for these incidents.