Putin challenged the West: what means the appearance of a Russian warship off the coast of the United Kingdom

The other day, this competition came to the fore in one of the most carefully controlled and symbolically significant waterways of the world: La Manshi. In an event that could be considered ordinary, but which is not, it was confirmed that the Corvette of the Navy of Russia "fighting" actively accompanied two tankers-"Selva" and "Sierra"-through the La Mansh to the Russian ports of the Baltic.

It's not just a tanker: both vessels enter the so -called "shadow fleet", that is, the vessels that are able to bypass Western oil sanctions against Russia. At first glance, this may seem nothing more than a persistent naval maneuver. In fact, it is a strategic shift. For the first time in this conflict, a Russian warship was noticed as directly protecting assets that are involved in evasion. It's not just marine logistics - it's a message.

And the addressees of this message are clear: NATO, West, UK, "Big Seven" and any other entity that considers the possibility of strengthening the practical application of sanctions at sea. The corvette, which is referred to, is a "fight" is a "sterever" vessel, already well known to the royal fleet. Russian warships often pass through La Channel; Usually, such transitions are accompanied by escort, often without any noise.

A distinctive feature of this ship was not only that it accompanied two tankers, but also that it falsified the transmission of an automatic identification system (AIS). The warships are actually exempted from the requirement to transfer the data of AIS, but in peacetime they usually do so for reasons of professionalism. Falsification of AIS is unusual, not to mention tactical naivety, when the ship is within the visibility of the land and is tracked by all radars in the area.

The misinformation of their situation was simply strange. In response, we sent one of our wonderful, but already outdated Frigates of the type 23 to accompany "fighting" through our waters. The task of the frigate was to convey restraining messages - "we see you and know that you are thinking", as well as in the collection of intelligence. During such interceptions, you can get a lot of information, especially if the other warship is not well guided.

Our frigate could also, of course, respond to any hostile actions of the Russian ship. All these three imperatives require a frigate, not the naked patrol ship. In the case of TYPE 23 and "steer", they are quite equal in terms of surveillance (both have drones and helicopters) and offensive/defensive weapons.

In my past life, when single warships collided with each other, the one who was the first to show the other, usually won the next fight - that is, provided that you have a fairly long -range weapon, or a helicopter, or other asset you can use. In the case of a miscalculation that leads to a sudden contraction at close range - and how Russians often behave at sea and in the air, does not exclude such a situation - then it is more likely to have a matter of faster.

In this case, I expect that the combination of marine shock missiles and the main tool HMS Soomerset will be at least as effective as the Russians weapons, and the Sea Ceptor defense system, tested in the Red Sea, should knock down all the missiles released on us. If you leave the combat component, the tankers themselves symbolize a broader problem.

The "shadow fleet" is a fuzzy group of old, often uninsured tankers under the dubious flag - Putin is needed to keep a shaky Russian economy from collapse. These vessels tend to act in legal and logistical "gray zones", carrying oil under false registers, using fraudulent navigation methods and, for the most part, relying on the hope that no one desires, warships or legal grounds for interference with the maritime situation. This escort changes the situation.

Now Russia demonstrates that it will use rigid force to protect the shadow fleet. This is a new border, and not only in La Tun. In the Baltic and in other maritime areas of Europe, Russia's position is becoming more bolder and more confrontational. In recent months, numerous reports of the state's likely activity against submarine infrastructure, hybrid missions for observation and electronic intervention.

Attempts to carry out compulsory action against the ships of the "shadow fleet" have already led to the fact that the Russian aircraft violated NATO airspace. Now the deployment of escort of warships is likely to mean more confrontations - more potential points that can lead to war. Moreover, this event should not be considered in isolation. Russia is under pressure - economic, diplomatic and military.

The fact that a modern warship was directed to accompany two growing tankers indicates that Moscow believes that this rescue circle is in danger. And this is not a little recognition. Putin is clearly desperate to keep the "shadow fleet". The oceans are not only physically but also politically and economically. The Red Sea, the Strait of the Strait, the Taiwanese Strait, and now they are all theaters that check the balance between principles and risks. The next step is behind us.