Russian warships to sail through English Channel on mission to Syria

  • Russia
The Admiral Kuznetsov is one of the vessels expected to pass close to the UK Credit: Reuters

Russian warships are expected to sail through the English Channel next week at a time of heightened tensions between the two countries over the war in Syria.

The Admiral Kuznetsov and seven other vessels will pass the UK as they head to Syria, where Russia backs the regime of President Bashar al-Assad.

The Royal Navy said it and Nato would monitor the mission, as is usual when other nations' fleets enter UK waters.

A Navy spokeswoman said: "UK and Nato assets routinely monitor warships from other nations when they enter our area of interest and this will be no different."

The Russian mission comes days after Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson infuriated Moscow by calling for protests outside the Russian embassy.

Mr Johnson is among those who accuse Russian forces of attacking Aleppo in support of al-Assad.

In evidence to the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, Mr Johnson suggested the UK should consider "military options" in Syria.

He also said the US-Russia dialogue aimed at brokering a ceasefire in Syria appeared to have "run out of road".

Meanwhile, on Saturday, Russia and the US began fresh talks in in Switzerland aimed at brokering another ceasefire deal in Syria.