Russian warships passes through English Channel

                               

A convoy of Russian warships heading for the Mediterranean is sailing down the English Channel - "marked every inch of the way" by the Royal Navy.

The Russian task force, including the aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov, was filmed off the coast of Dover.

The fleet also reportedly includes the Pyotr Velikiy battlecruiser, the Severomorsk anti-submarine ship, the Vice-Admiral Kulakov destroyer and other support vessels.

The most sensitive part of the fleet's journey is through the English Channel's narrowest point at the Strait of Dover.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's armed flotilla is believed to be heading to Syria, to support Russia's military operations in the war-torn country.

Asked whether the Russian deployment was an indication that Moscow regarded Britain as weak, a Downing Street spokesman said: "I would reject suggestions that the Russians feel we are too weak. Clearly, we are not weak at all."

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said: "It is pretty unambiguous that they have set a course to pass through the Dover Strait".

He added: "They haven't slowed or sped up. They are going to be past Dover in the next few hours.

"When they are clear of the Dover traffic separation scheme, they will probably break back out in a formation scheme and be on their way.

"We still don't know where that is and how they are going to get there, but everything so far has been exactly how we would have expected."

British ships, including two destroyers - HMS Duncan and HMS Dragon - were deployed earlier this week and have been monitoring the Russian vessels.

The Russian fleet, which has been heading south from the Norwegian Sea, has also been escorted by frigates HMS Richmond and HMS Duncan.