# Navy follows Russian intelligence ship near Scotland during Nato exercise

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/royal-navy-intercepts-russia-spy-ship-off-scotland-after-catching-it-closely-monitoring-nato-war-games/
- Published: 2026-11-02T13:39:28+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-02T13:48:03+00:00
- Original publisher: Daily Mail (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://www.dailymail.com/news/article-16258825/Royal-Navy-intercepts-Russia-spy-ship-Scotland-catching-closely-monitoring-Nato-war-games.html?ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490&ito=1490
- Topics: Europe, Geopolitics, Politics, UK, World

## Key points

- Merlin helicopters tracked Russian spy ship Viktor Leonov near Scotland.
- The ship monitored a Nato exercise involving six countries.
- Russian activity around British waters has reportedly increased by 25 per cent.

## Summary

The Royal Navy tracked a Russian intelligence-gathering ship near Scotland after it was found monitoring Nato warships during Exercise Strike Warrior. The operation highlights increased Russian activity around British waters and the Navy’s efforts to keep watch on vessels near the UK.

The ship, Viktor Leonov, was followed by Merlin helicopters near the Outer Hebrides from 29 September to 8 October. The exercise involved 2,000 personnel from six Nato countries. The article says Russian activity around British waters rose by 25 per cent in the first seven months of the year compared with the same period in 2025; other British forces have also monitored Russian warships and vessels.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.