Ukraine: Russian forces reportedly fire warning shots at UK naval vessel in the Black Sea, June 23

Event

Russian authorities have announced that naval and air forces fired warning shots near a British naval vessel that it claims had illegally entered Russian territorial waters near Cape Fiolent on the Russian-occupied Crimean peninsula, June 23. The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that the Royal Navy destroyer HMS Defender entered its waters at around 11:52 before leaving at 12:23. Further details are currently unavailable.

Context

The West considers the Crimean peninsula to be part of Ukraine and under illegal Russian occupation. The incident may have occurred as HMS Defender exercised a freedom of navigation operation in the disputed area. Further such incidents are possible, particularly during planned naval and military exercises in Ukraine involving NATO and local forces scheduled June 28-July 10. Nevertheless, while belligerent rhetoric is likely in the coming days, there is unlikely to be any military or naval escalation in the short term.

Advice

Monitor developments and remain alert if operating in the disputed area in the coming days.