UK intercepts Russian spy ship monitoring NATO military exercises

The U.K. Royal Navy monitored the Russian intelligence ship Viktor Leonov during NATO drills off Scotland, highlighting concerns over Russian espionage. The ship observed NATO's Exercise Strike Warrior, involving 2,000 personnel from six nations. The Royal Navy also intercepted other Russian vessels, including the frigate Neustrashimy, amid rising tensions and sanctions against Russia. Moscow has increasingly relied on naval escorts for its shadow fleet, which aids in circumventing sanctions. Recent operations by the Royal Navy reflect heightened Russian naval activity in British waters, with 1,404 vessels identified as part of Russia's shadow fleet.