(CNN) Britain's defense secretary had some harsh words for the Russian military on Wednesday as UK warships and warplanes tracked Russia's only aircraft carrier through the English Channel.

"We are keeping a close eye on the Admiral Kuznetsov as it skulks back to Russia; a ship of shame whose mission has only extended the suffering of the Syrian people," Defense Secretary Sir Michael Fallon said.

The carrier and its escort are on their way back to Russia after participating in airstrikes in Syria. They left the Mediterranean Sea earlier this month

Photos: UK shadows Russia's aircraft carrier Photos: UK shadows Russia's aircraft carrier A Royal Air Force Typhoon fighter from Britain Quick Reaction Alert force flies near the Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov on Wednesday, January 25. The Russian carrier and a guided missile cruiser are on their way back home after participating in airstrikes in Syria. Hide Caption 1 of 6 Photos: UK shadows Russia's aircraft carrier The Russian aircraft carrier Admiral Kuznetsov moves off the UK coast on January 25. Hide Caption 2 of 6 Photos: UK shadows Russia's aircraft carrier RAF Typhoon fighters fly near the Russian aircraft carrier on January 25. Hide Caption 3 of 6 Photos: UK shadows Russia's aircraft carrier The Royal Navy frigate HMS St. Albans shadows the Russian aircraft carrier and a guided missile cruiser off the British coast on January 25. Hide Caption 4 of 6 Photos: UK shadows Russia's aircraft carrier The Russian guided missile cruiser Petr Velikiy escorts the Admiral Kuznetsov through the English Channel on January 25. Hide Caption 5 of 6 Photos: UK shadows Russia's aircraft carrier The Petr Velikiy and Admiral Kuznetsov move through the English Channel on January 25 on their return to Russia. Hide Caption 6 of 6

Russia's air strikes in support of the forces of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad have been crucial in helping them to gain the upper hand in the long-running conflict.

In December, they succeeded in pushing rebel fighters from the key city of Aleppo.

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