U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer calls English Channel incident involving Russian warship ‘reckless’
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned a Russian frigate for firing warning shots at a British civilian yacht in the English Channel. Both nations confirmed the incident, which Russia attributed to a collision avoidance maneuver.
Why it matters
The incident highlights escalating tensions between the UK and Russia in international waters, raising concerns about potential military miscalculations.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Wednesday (June 17, 2026) the firing of warning shots by a Russian frigate to divert a U.K. -flagged civilian yacht near British territorial waters in the English Channel was reckless and deeply concerning.
The article presents statements from both the British and Russian governments, maintaining a balanced reporting style.
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