It is the latest in
a string of similar incidents and comes at a time of tense relations between London and Moscow over the
crisis in Ukraine
and the inquiry into the death of Russian ex-spy Alexander Litvinenko.
"MoD can
confirm 3 Russian ships being monitored by Royal Navy HMS Argyll through
Channel. No exercises seen," the ministry said on its Twitter feed.
"Russian
Udaloy class destroyer Severomorsk returning from Mediterranean
with tanker and support ship. Due to leave Channel later."
The Channel is used
frequently and legitimately as a route by Russian warships but NATO countries
are on alert over fears that Moscow could
attempt to destabilise countries on Europe 's
eastern flank that were in its orbit during Soviet times.
The Severomorsk, an
anti-submarine destroyer, was among four ships which passed through the Channel
in November although French authorities denied Russian reports that they were
carrying out military exercises.
A Russian warship
was also tracked through the Channel in February while the previous month,
Britain summoned the Russian ambassador after Tupolev Tu-95 bombers, known as
Russian "bears", were found flying close to British airspace.
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