Northern Fleet

Russia has replaced the commander-in-chief of its naval forces. The decision comes on the heels of a string of losses suffered by the Black Sea Fleet, according to reports from Telekanal "Дождь".

British warships will sail for the Black Sea in May amid rising tensions between Ukraine and Russia, the Sunday Times newspaper has reported.

The deployment is aimed at showing solidarity with Ukraine and Britain's NATO allies, the newspaper reported.

Russian ships docked at what was once a secret Norwegian naval base in the Arctic have prompted concern from the NATO country's former top military leaders, anxious about its resurgent eastern neighbour roaming nearby.

Russian President Vladimir Putin ordered the Northern Fleet, units of the airborne forces and the Western Military District on full combat alert from 08:00 Moscow time on Monday.

This was announced by Russian Defence Minister Sergey Shoygu, who explained that these developments are part of snap checks, TASS news agency reports.

38,000 Russian soldiers take part in surprise drills

MOSCOW -- More than 38,000 Russian soldiers from the Northern Fleet and some airborne units on Monday started drills using 55 warships and submarines.

110 jets and helicopters are also taking part, it has been announced in Moscow.

Warships from Russia's Northern Fleet entered the English Channel to hold drills, reports RIA Novosti, quoting the Russian Navy press office.

According to the report, a squadron of battleships, led by the Severomorsk anti-submarine ship crossed the narrowest part of the Channel and entered the Seine Bay.