Falklands feud: Argentina welcomes Russian ships named after ‘Malvinas Islands’ in UK jibe

RUSSIA risks stoking tensions between Britain and Argentina after it sent four ships to the South Atlantic emblazoned with provocative names referring to the disputed Falkland Islands.

Argentina will use the Russian-made boats – which are all named after key strategic locations on the British territory – to patrol in waters surrounding the islands in an effort to defend its maritime borders.

The vessels include ARA ‘Islas Malvinas’ – the name Argentines use to refer to the archipelago – and ARA ‘Puerto Argentino’ – the Spanish name for the Falkland’s capital Port Stanley.

EXCLUSIVE: China sells fighter jets to Argentina which are able to attack Falkland Islands

ARGENTINA is to purchase sophisticated Chinese fighter jets able to attack the Falkland Islands as part of a “strategic partnership” with Beijing.

The move, which further raised tensions in the South Atlantic last night, follows a three-day visit by President Kristina de Kirchner to Beijing last week, in which Argentina secured 15 economic agreements and significant financial investment to bolster its failing economy.