The bear in our backyard: Return of the Cold War as Royal Navy confronts Russian aircraft carrier group in the English Channel for the first time in years

Admiral Kuznetsov, Russia's largest warship, led six other vessels through the Channel last nightA Royal Navy destroyer, HMS Dragon, was dispatched from Portsmouth to escort the task group 'Routine' passage comes amid period of heightened tension over troubles in Ukraine It came on the same day Russian president Vladimir Putin oversaw simulation of nuclear missile launches By Sam Webb, MailOnlineA Russian aircraft carrier and and a nuclear-powered battle cruiser have passed through the English Channel - escorted by a British warship.