Amid growing concerns regarding a series of disruptions to undersea cables in the Baltic Sea, believed to be caused by anchor draggings, European security officials are on high alert for potential hybrid attacks on critical infrastructure by Russia or China. The unease was further heightened when Britain’s defense minister issued a warning about a Russian spy ship operating in UK waters.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey informed the House of Commons that a Russian spy ship named Yantar had been detected in the English Channel, lingering over vital undersea infrastructure. The report was first published by the Financial Times.
“Russia poses the most immediate and significant threat to Britain… and any threat will be met with strength and determination,” Healey declared.
He revealed that the Yantar spy ship had traversed the Strait of Dover and entered Dutch waters.
Healey also mentioned that a Royal Navy submarine had surfaced near the Yantar to warn the crew that their movements were being closely monitored.
“I want President Putin to understand this message: ‘We are watching you, we are aware of your actions, and we will not hesitate to take decisive action to safeguard our country,'” the defense official stated to lawmakers.
He added: “We will continue to expose the malicious activities directed by Putin, and we will crackdown on the Russian shadow fleet.”
In a statement to the House of Commons, Defence Secretary John Healey made clear that Russia is the most immediate threat to Britain. Watch here. pic.twitter.com/RkjRUxaHuR
— UK Defence Journal (@UKDefJournal) January 22, 2025
Over the past 18 months, there have been three concerning incidents where commercial ships traveling to or from Russian ports are suspected of cutting undersea cables in the Baltic region.
The question remains whether these three incidents were deliberate acts of sabotage or mere accidents.
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