A Royal Navy destroyer has intercepted and monitored a Russian warship as it sailed through UK waters.

HMS Duncan, based in Portsmouth, was deployed by NATO Allied Maritime Command, the Royal Navy said.

The Type 45 destroyer - and helicopter, a Wildcat model - were scrambled to shadow Russian destroyer Vice Admiral Kulakov.

It is the first time a Royal Navy warship has been tasked directly under the alliance's direct command for such an operation, a Navy spokesman said.

The destroyer used advanced sensors and systems to intercept the Russian vessel in the North Sea.

It monitored its westward passage through the English Channel towards the island of Ushant, off the French coast.

The operation also involved the Dutch Air Force NH90 and the French Navy.

The NATO Allied Maritime

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