Russian Frigate Reportedly Fired ‘Warning Shots’ at British Yacht in Channel

June 16, 2026 The Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich, which reportedly fired warning shots at a yacht in the Channel Ibrahim Ishaq / AFP A U.K.-registered yacht in the English Channel just outside British territorial waters reported that a Russian warship fired "warning shots" near it, a British defense source told AFP on Tuesday. The incident is understood to have occurred around 20 nautical miles south of the Isle of Wight. It comes just days after British commandos intercepted and boarded a suspected Russian shadow-fleet vessel in the same area. When asked about the warning shots, a British Defense Ministry spokesperson said, "We are investigating reports of an incident in the Channel." This is a developing news story. Read more about: United Kingdom Sign up for our free weekly newsletter Our weekly newsletter contains a hand-picked selection of news, features, analysis and more from The Moscow Times. You will receive it in your mailbox every Friday. Never miss the latest news from Russia. Preview Subscribers agree to the Privacy Policy We sent a confirmation to your email. Please confirm your subscription. A Message from The Moscow Times: Dear readers, We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent." These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia. We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help. Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact. By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us. Once Monthly Annual Continue Not ready to support today? Remind me later. × Remind me next month Remind me Thank you! Your reminder is set. We will send you one reminder email a month from now. For details on the personal data we collect and how it is used, please see our Privacy Policy. Read more Russia Expels 2 British Diplomats, Accuses Them of Espionage Russia’s Federal Security Service claimed it had uncovered an “undeclared British intelligence presence” within the British Embassy. 1 Min read U.K. to Unveil Sweeping Sanctions Against Russia London will target Russia's financial, aviation, military and energy sectors, including through bank asset freezes, travel bans, and trade restrictions... 2 Min read U.K. Defense Chief to Moscow: ‘You Are in a Position of Weakness, Not Strength’ "Talks about Ukraine cannot happen without Ukraine," British Defense Secretary John Healey also said. 2 Min read U.S., U.K. and Australia Sanction Russian Cyber Firm Zservers Over Ransomware Attacks Britain’s Foreign Office accused several Zservers employees of being a part of “a prolific cybercrime supply chain” in Russia. 1 Min read