Russian warship fires warning shots near British yacht in Channel

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London: A Russian military vessel reportedly fired warning shots near a British-flagged yacht in the English Channel, prompting a probe by UK authorities and raising new fears about ties between London and Moscow.

The incident occurred around 20 nautical miles south of the Isle of Wight, beyond British territorial seas. Russia said that the yacht approached the naval vessel, Admiral Grigorovich, on a risky course and did not reply to radio calls or warning signals before firing shots. According to British officials, the firing was not aimed directly at the vessel, and there were no reported injuries or damage.

The yacht, named Bright Future, was carrying a retired British couple to France. The couple stated that they heard warning horn blasts followed by small-arms fire into the air before changing direction. The Royal Navy vessel later checked on their condition.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer branded the event as ‘reckless and deeply concerning,’ but UK sources said it is currently being seen as an isolated incident rather than direct revenge for Britain's recent intercept of a Russia-linked tanker in the Channel.