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A Russian warship carried out a live-fire artillery exercise off the coast of Plymouth on Monday, the Ministry of Defence said.

The Russian frigate, Neustrashimy, was being shadowed by a Royal Navy ship and a French military aircraft during the operation, which lasted around 30 minutes.

The warship is understood to have informed the Royal Navy offshore patrol vessel HMS Tyne of its intentions ahead of time, the BBC reports.

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson said: "A Russian naval vessel shadowed by the Royal Navy conducted a live-fire weapons exercise in international waters approximately 40 nautical miles south of Plymouth yesterday.

"The Royal Navy monitored that exercise throughout, continues to track the vessel's activity closely, and stands ready to protect UK national security."

The Independent approached the Ministry of Defence for comment.

This news is breaking: more to follow