In pictures: What happens to Russian destroyer in UK waters? It's met with River-class OPV

Royal Navy patrol ship HMS Trent has shadowed a Russian destroyer and two support vessels through the English Channel during a five-day operation involving Nato allies.

Lieutenant Commander Paul Kilbride, Executive Officer in Temporary Command of HMS Trent, said it was rare to send a Batch 2 offshore patrol vessel (OPV) to conduct this type of operation. 

"I am immensely proud of the dedication and professionalism of my ship's company," he said. 

• Royal Navy warships track five Russian vessels during first seven days of July
• Royal Navy helicopters and patrol ship track Russian submarine through UK waters
• Russia tipped to lose its only carrier as repair and refit work on Admiral Kuznetsov is halted

The Portsmouth-based River-class patrol ship tracked the destroyer Vice Admiral Kulakov from off Great Yarmouth to Ushant, while allied ships monitored two accompanying tankers.

The Russian vessels linked up near Brittany before sailing east, with HMS Trent following their transit.

The operation formed part of wider Nato monitoring efforts in the North Atlantic and Channel, supported by allied warships, patrol aircraft and helicopters.

A Wildcat helicopter from 815 Naval Air Squadron, based at Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, later joined the mission to provide air surveillance.

HMS Trent recently returned to UK waters after four years deployed in the Mediterranean and West Africa, and a maintenance period in Malta.

The patrol ship is now preparing for a Caribbean mission later this year.

Armed Forces Minister Luke Pollard said that Russian warships are increasingly sailing through the English Channel.