The Severomorsk is one of many Russian naval vessels to have docked in the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in north Africa

Spain has been accused of betraying its Nato and EU allies by allowing dozens of Russian destroyers and submarines to refuel in its territories in north Africa — less than 20 miles from the Royal Navy base at Gibraltar.

Spain has hosted at least 57 Russian warships, submarines and amphibious vessels at its north African enclave since 2011, prompting concerns on both sides of the Atlantic that Madrid is providing succour to President Putin.

This week the US Congress highlighted the issue by amending the annual defence bill to require defence officials to report on Nato countries that allow Russian warships to dock at their ports.

The move comes after the Russian frigate Ladny docked at Ceuta this month, just two days after Royal Navy