The British navy has announced that it is intensifying efforts to safeguard its waters following the detection of a Russian spy vessel, the Yantar, in UK waters for the second time in recent weeks. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) confirmed that the Yantar traversed the English Channel this week, with HMS Somerset accompanying it.
In a previous incident in November, the Yantar had entered British waters and reportedly lingered near critical undersea infrastructure. After a British submarine issued a warning, the vessel departed for the Mediterranean but has since returned to UK waters.
These developments occur against the backdrop of heightened concerns regarding potential Russian interference in international waters, particularly in light of Russia's actions in Ukraine and other incidents in the Baltic Sea.
British Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the UK's commitment to fortifying the protection of cables and offshore infrastructure in the Baltic Sea. He announced the deployment of an advanced AI system, Nordic Warden, to enhance surveillance efforts. This decision follows the damage to the Estlink2 undersea cable between Estonia and Finland in December.
Healey issued a stern message to President Putin, asserting that the UK is aware of Russian activities and will take decisive action to safeguard the country. The UK, in collaboration with its Joint Expeditionary Force and NATO allies, aims to prevent Russian ships and aircraft from operating covertly near UK or NATO territories.
The British government's measures also include cracking down on what it terms the 'Russian shadow fleet' to impede funding for Russia's actions in Ukraine.
When asked about the UK's statement, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov refrained from commenting during a press briefing, stating that he was not well-versed on the subject of the Yantar's recent passage through the English Channel.
