Russia's Defense Ministry reported that a Russian warship fired warning shots at a British yacht in the English Channel after the vessel made a 'dangerous approach.' The incident occurred outside UK territorial waters, about 20 nautical miles (37 km) south of the Isle of Wight.

The Russian frigate Admiral Grigorovich initially used signal flares and audible signals to warn the yacht, but the yacht allegedly continued its dangerous approach. The ship's commander then ordered warning shots from small arms at a distance of 500 yards.

No injuries or damage were reported. Britain's Ministry of Defense said it is investigating the incident. The Royal Navy patrol vessel HMS Mersey was monitoring the Russian frigate at the time.

Officials claim the warning shots were likely an isolated incident and unrelated to the seizure of a Russian shadow fleet tanker, Smyrtos, in the Channel last Sunday. The seizure was the first such action by British forces targeting Russia's attempts to circumvent international oil sanctions.

Source: www.dw.com