UK Defense Secretary Reveals Russian Spy Ship Incidents in British Waters

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The UK Ministry of Defense disclosed on Wednesday that a British submarine had tracked a Russian spy ship, Yantar, loitering near critical undersea infrastructure in British waters. This incident comes after a prior event in November when the submarine surfaced close to the Yantar to deter its activities. Defense Secretary John Healey highlighted that the ship has been accused of mapping undersea cables and gathering intelligence.

According to Healey, the Yantar was recently detected in the North Sea after passing through British waters, prompting the deployment of two Royal Navy vessels, HMS Somerset and HMS Tyne, to monitor it continuously. The ongoing presence of the Yantar has raised alarms regarding the potential threats to undersea cables, which are vital for global data transmission—an issue that has gained increased attention due to recent incidents of damage attributed to Russian and Chinese equipment.

In response to the spy ship's activities, the UK's Royal Navy adjusted its Rules of Engagement to monitor the Yantar more closely, reinforcing its surveillance capabilities. This incident forms part of a broader strategy to respond to hybrid warfare increasingly evident since Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The UK government has also imposed sanctions on vessels associated with Russia's Shadow Fleet as a proactive measure against such threats.

Healey's comments reflect growing concerns about Russia's naval operations and their implications for national security amidst heightened geopolitical tensions.

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