PUTIN MIND GAMES: Russian warships sail VERY close to England in huge SHOW OF FORCE

The ships were spotted at a time when relations between the UK and Russia have soared following the Novichok poisonings in Wiltshire.

The stunt could be seen as a huge show of force from strongman Putin, who previously has sent warships through the channel in a warning move to the UK.

The UK believes Russia was behind the attempted murder of the M16 double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in Salisbury.

The Russian missile cruiser Marshal Ustinov and anti-submarine destroyer Severomorsk have sailed past the UK on their way to the Atlantic, according to the Russian state media. Putin’s war chest: Warships, armies, missiles and guns REVEALED Thu, March 15, 2018

Tensions between the UK and Russia are at breaking point. If things were to escalate to war, Vladimir Putin owns a terrifying war chest at his disposal. Play slideshow 1 of 9 The stunt could be seen as a huge show of force from strongman Putin The warships are part of a group heading to the ocean to begin operations after a naval parade for Putin held in Saint Petersburg.

Marshal Ustinov is a 611ft, 12,500-ton warship boasting up to 120 missiles, machine guns, torpedoes, a helicopter and anti-submarine weapons.

The vessel also carries machine guns, torpedoes and anti-submarine weapons, as well as a helicopter.

The warship has been in use since 1988 and was given a revamp by Putin more recently. Severomorsk is an anti-submarine destroyer that weighs up to 7,570 tons and is 535 ft long.

It carries up to 72 missiles, including weapons designed to take out enemy ships and submarines.

Normally when Russian warships are seen in the English Channel, they are intercepted and escorted through the waters by the British navy. Only yesterday, Putin’s righthand man Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev warned the West and Russia face a “terrible conflict” over the expansion of NATO.

In June the Royal Navy intercepted two Russian warships when they were sailing close to the UK in the North Sea. In May the Royal Navy used the destroyer HMS Diamond and a Wildcat helicopter to monitor a Russian spy ship close to the coast of the UK.

At the time, the Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said: “We will not hesitate in defending our waters or tolerate any form of aggression.

“Britain will never be intimidated when it comes to protecting our country, our people, and our national interests.”