Russian aircraft carrier sails into English Channel

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/defence/10816463/Russian-aircraft-carrier-sails-into-English-Channel.html

Russian aircraft carrier sails into English Channel
HMS Dragon is escorting the Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov through the English Channel



HMS Dragon (foreground), a Type 45 Royal Navy destroyer, escorting the Admiral Kuznetsov in the English Channel. The Russian warships are expected to head into the North Sea and back to Russia Photo: Crown
By Ben Farmer, Defence Correspondent1:26PM BST 08 May 2014
A Russian aircraft carrier task group has sailed into the English Channel under escort by a Royal Navy warship.
HMS Dragon met the Russian warships in the south western approaches to the Channel on Wednesday and is shadowing them as they are expected to head into the North Sea and back to Russia.
The heavy carrier Admiral Kuznetsov is accompanied by the nuclear-powered Kirov class cruiser Peter the Great and several support ships after a five-month mission to the Mediterranean.
Naval sources said it was not unusual for Russian warships to pass through the channel and the Kuznetsov was also escorted past British waters on its way out in December when it passed Scotland heading south.
Capt Vadim Serga, spokesman for the Russian Northern Fleet, said: “The cruiser has accomplished its mission within the Navy task force in the Mediterranean and headed for Severomorsk. The aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov is expected to return to base by late May.”