This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-37719847

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
UK warships shadowing Russian naval task force UK warships shadowing Russian naval task force
(35 minutes later)
Two British warships are shadowing a Russian aircraft carrier and other Russian naval ships as they pass the UK. Two British warships are shadowing an aircraft carrier and other Russian naval ships as they pass the UK on their way to Syria.
The carrier Admiral Kuznetsov and its task force are on a course to sail through the North Sea to the English Channel on their way to Syria. The carrier Admiral Kuznetsov and its task force are on a course to sail through the North Sea to the English Channel.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman said the ships would be "man-marked" every step of the way while near UK waters. A Ministry of Defence spokesman said the ships would be "man-marked every step of the way" while near UK waters.
Nato said Russia had the right to operate in international waters. However, Nato said Russia had the right to operate in international waters.
Russia's naval battle group: Power play or theatre?Russia's naval battle group: Power play or theatre?
Are we entering a new Cold War?Are we entering a new Cold War?
How Moscow's bombing campaign has paid off for PutinHow Moscow's bombing campaign has paid off for Putin
Russia's top spin doctor in nuclear warningRussia's top spin doctor in nuclear warning
It comes amid heightened tension between Russia and Nato.It comes amid heightened tension between Russia and Nato.
"We will be watching as part of our steadfast commitment to keep Britain safe," Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said."We will be watching as part of our steadfast commitment to keep Britain safe," Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said.
Type 45 destroyer HMS Duncan sailed from Portsmouth on Tuesday to "man-mark" the Kuznetsov group, which is heading south from the Norwegian Sea. The Ministry of Defence said at about 13:00BST that the Russian task force was "in the middle of the North Sea heading southwards" - at that stage it was understood to be about 100 miles (160km) off Edinburgh.
The Type 23 frigate HMS Richmond has escorted the group from the Norwegian Sea as it headed south. Type 45 destroyer HMS Duncan sailed from Portsmouth on Tuesday to track the Kuznetsov group as it headed south from the Norwegian Sea, escorted by the Type 23 frigate HMS Richmond.
Analysis
By Jonathan Marcus, BBC News Defence and Diplomatic Correspondent
If, as anticipated, the Admiral Kuznetsov and its task force are heading for the eastern Mediterranean, this will be the first ever combat deployment for Russia's only aircraft carrier.
A Ministry of Defence spokesman says that the Russian flotilla - currently in the North Sea - could pass through the Strait of Dover as early as this evening, though it could be significantly delayed if the carrier conducts flight operations or has to stop to refuel.
Two of the Russian vessels carry land attack cruise missiles and the carrier has an unknown number of aircraft on board.
These will enhance Russia's firepower off Syria but this is above all a demonstration of force projection; a signal from Moscow that it can deploy its military might when and where it chooses.
Syrian forces, backed by Russian air power, have agreed a humanitarian truce in Aleppo but Priti Patel, secretary of state for international development, said the temporary truce was "woefully inadequate".
A Nato official said: "There are plans in place for Nato navies to monitor the Russian ships as they head for the Mediterranean.
"At the same time, the deployment of the carrier group to the eastern Mediterranean does not inspire confidence that Russia is working towards a political solution to the conflict in Syria."