Two Russian ships, RFS Marhsall Ustinov and RFS Adml Kulakov passed through the English Channel last night. They were shadowed by HMS Kent and HMS Mersey, according to military analysis platform Navy Lookout. This came after a fleet of Russian ships entered the Channel yesterday.
There has been speculation that the ships may be travelling to the Black Sea in order to participate in an invasion of Ukraine.
But the Russian military recently announced that they are planning to stage a military exercise 240km to the South West of Ireland between 3 and 8 February.
The Russian ships left the Baltic Sea region yesterday, preceded by another three the day before, news outlet The Drive reported.
In recent days, Russian vessels have been escorted by numerous EU forces.
Three of the Russian vessels were escorted through international waters by a helicopter and a vessel from the Royal Netherlands Navy, while en route to the Channel.
Supervision was then taken over by Belgian and British forces when they arrived at the Channel.
At least one French ship is also understood to have been dispatched to monitor the Russian vessels.
This comes amid mounting fears of war with Russia, as Mr Putin has built up 100,000 troops on the border with Ukraine.
But speaking to the Daily Mirror, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence said that escorting Russian ships is “common practice”.
They added: “As part of a unified action with our allies, the Royal Navy monitors the presence of Russian warships as they pass through the English Channel.”
READ MORE: Russian Navy fleet enters English Channel – into path of NATO vessel
Speaking at a joint news meeting with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, Mr Putin said: “Ukraine itself is just an instrument to achieve this goal.
“This can be done in different ways, by drawing us into some kind of armed conflict and, with the help of their allies in Europe, forcing the introduction against us of those harsh sanctions they are talking about now in the U.S.”
He added: “Let’s imagine Ukraine is a NATO member and starts these military operations.
“Are we supposed to go to war with the NATO bloc?
“Has anyone given that any thought? Apparently not.”
What do you think? Let us know in the comments.
Russia has demanded that NATO promise to block Ukraine’s entry into the alliance.
In response to Mr Putin’s recent comments, a senior State Department official said: “If President Putin truly does not intend war or regime change, the Secretary told Foreign Minister Lavrov then this is the time to pull back troops and heavy weaponry and engage in a serious discussion.”
Mr Orban said he believed that it would be possible to strike a compromise with Russia and “guarantee peace”.
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson is set to meet with Mr Putin this week.
He has previously accused Russia of choosing the “path of conflict”.