The Royal Navy has been stalking Putin's warships for three months as they sail around the UK, including a frigate that fired on a British couple's yacht and loitered near a major windfarm.The navy's 'unbroken watch' on Russian ships in UK waters comes as British troops also take a robust stance on the Kremlin's shadow fleet, seizing a tanker earlier this month.Five navy ships have been involved in the monitoring of the Admiral Grigorovich, which fired warning shots at a yacht belonging to a British couple south of the Isle of Wight on June 16.The yacht Bright Future was being piloted by Jane Kelvey, 68, and husband Alan, 70, and was sailing from Britain to the north French coast.The couple said that as they came to around 500m from the frigate, they heard five blasts of a horn from the Admiral Grigorovich – followed seconds later by gunfire. It is believed the Russian ship fired up to five times.Mr and Mrs Kelvey later hit out at the government's characterisation of the event, after a spokesperson described it as a 'nautical incident' which took place in foggy conditions. A Royal Navy spokesperson said that the Admiral Grigorovich was present in the Channel from April 30 to May 4, May 8 to 12, and May 22 to 28.'Royal Navy warships and helicopters have maintained an unbroken watch on Russian frigates and their accompanying vessels in UK waters for nearly three months – and that vigil continues today,' they said. HMS Somerset (right) escorts Russian Navy Ropucha-class Landing Ship Transport Aleksander Shabalin (left) and the tanker MV Mikhail Britnev through the English Channel on Monday HMS Mersey and HMS Severn shadow RFN Boikiy in the English Channel The Admiral Grigorovich conducts a 'raft up' with a supply ship off the coast of Suffolk'Patrol ships HMS Tyne, Ledbury, Severn, Mersey and Type 23 frigate HMS Sutherland tracked the Russian navy's Admiral Grigorovich throughout May and into June.'This followed a concerted effort in April, when Royal Navy ships or aircraft monitored the Russian warship every single day.'The monitoring operation also included HMS Tyne observing the Grigorovich 'conduct a raft-up with Russian Amur-class supply ship PM-82 near the Galloper Wind Farm off the coast of Suffolk'.They said: 'The supply ship operates as a floating workshop capable of transferring fuel and stores to Russian warships.' That incident saw the frigate loiter for 18 hours off the coast of Suffolk in the vicinity of a major British wind farm that powers some 400,000 homes. It was suggested at the time that the ship was in the area to try and deter UK troops from seizing Russia's shadow vessels, which transport oil and fuel.The Royal Navy's type 23 frigate HMS Somerset has also intercepted the Yury Ivanov, a Russian navy intelligence-gathering ship in an operation alongside other NATO warships as well as ships from Ireland's Defence Forces.HMS Somerset then sailed from the Isles of Scilly to shadow the Ropucha-class Landing Ship Transport Aleksander Shabalin and the tanker MV Mikhail Britnev through the English Channel. Royal Marine commandoes carry out a seizure of the Smyrtos tanker earlier this month HMS Somerset shadows the Yury Ivanov, Russian Navy intelligence-gathering ship in the Channel In total five ships were involved in the monitoring of the Admiral Grigorovich, including HMS Ledbury (pictured)The yacht incident came two days after Russian shadow fleet tanker MV Smyrtos was seized on June 14.Green berets from 42 Commando and officers from the National Crime Agency, boarded the vessel in a six-hour mission supported by HMS Sutherland, HMS Ledbury, Merlin Mk4s from the Commando Helicopter Force, Wildcat helicopters, and RAF Chinooks and P8 Poseidon aircraft.The mission, ordered by Sir Keir Starmer, was praised by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as 'an important step against Russia's oil fleet'.The Smyrtos had been at sea for nine days after leaving the port of Ust Luga near St Petersburg on June 5 laden with crude. Other nations including France have also acted to seize members of the shadow fleet in recent weeks. Putin uses the so-called shadow fleet tankers to evade sanctions on Russian energy products and generate revenue for his illegal occupation of Ukraine and threats to the UK and Europe.His armada of 700 poorly maintained vessels sail under different flags. These tankers transport an estimated 75 per cent of Russia's sanctioned crude oil, bypassing sanctions and maritime regulations and generating billions for Putin's war coffers. Due to their disrepair the ships also pose a major environmental threat.The government has sanctioned more than 600 vessels believed to be transporting items to Russia. Minister for the armed forces Louise Sandher-Jones said: 'The Royal Navy is on watch every hour of every day, protecting our waters and helping to keep the UK secure.'As Russian naval activity around the UK continues, our sailors and aircrew have worked alongside Nato allies and Ireland to track, monitor and deter vessels operating near our shores.'I pay tribute to the men and women who carry out this vital work every day. Their professionalism sends a clear message: we are always on watch, and we will always defend our nation, our waters and our critical infrastructure.'Royal Navy Fleet Commander, Vice Admiral Steve Moorhouse, said: 'In recent months, the Royal Navy has worked tirelessly to safeguard UK waters in response to increased Russian naval activity.'Our sailors, ships and aircraft have maintained a constant watch, helping to protect the UK's security and reassure our allies.'Their professionalism, dedication and teamwork demonstrate the Royal Navy's ability to respond quickly to emerging challenges with Nato partners to keep our seas safe and secure.'