British Defence Secretary John Healey told parliament on Wednesday that the Royal Navy tracked a Russian spy ship, Yantar, as it passed through UK waters earlier this week, accusing it of intelligence gathering near critical underwater infrastructure.
Healey revealed that the Yantar was detected on Monday, approximately 45 miles off the British coast, prompting the Royal Navy to dispatch two vessels for monitoring. “It was detected loitering over UK critical undersea infrastructure,” he said.
Sending a direct message to Russian President Vladimir Putin, Healey declared, “We see you, we know what you’re doing, and we will not shy away from robust action to protect this country.”
The Yantar is now reportedly in the North Sea, having exited British waters. Healey also noted that this is the second instance of the vessel entering UK waters recently, following a similar incident in November.
Escalating naval tensions
This marks another chapter in growing tensions between the UK and Russia over naval activity. Earlier this month, the Royal Navy confirmed that the frigate HMS Somerset tracked a Russian naval group moving from the North Sea to the English Channel in late December, though the group remained in international waters.
In September 2024, Royal Navy warships shadowed four Russian vessels in UK waters for a week, while the Royal Air Force intercepted two Russian aircraft operating near British airspace.
The UK has vowed to continue monitoring and responding to any perceived threats to its security and infrastructure.
