More aid for Russian subs

Britain has dramatically boosted aid for Russia to decommission its ageing nuclear submarine fleet in the wake of the Kursk disaster.

British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook has persuaded the Treasury to increase the funds destined for bilateral assistance to 80 million ($277 million) from just $5 million previously budgeted, the Independent on Sunday said.

The money will go to helping retrieve nuclear fuel from some of the 100 or so former Soviet nuclear submarines in northwest Russia.

"We want to get this fuel out of the water as quickly as possible. There is a horrendous risk of nuclear pollution," a Foreign Office source said.

Herald Online feature: Russian sub disaster

Russian Centre for Arms Control: OSKAR subs

World Navies Today: Russian subs

Russian Navy official website