UK detects increased Russian activity in North Atlantic
The UK government has warned Russia of "serious consequences" if Moscow continues to threaten British underwater infrastructure in the Atlantic Ocean, while also revealing details of a failed Russian operation.
Source: Sky News, citing UK Defence Secretary John Healey, as reported by European Pravda
Details: Healey said London has observed an increase in Russian activity in the North Atlantic.
He said British forces had tracked an Akula-class Russian attack submarine and two specialist submarines belonging to Russia's main directorate for deep-sea research (GUGI). Healey also pointed to the detection of the Russian Yantar spy ship last November.
He said the vessels have been directed by Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin to "conduct hybrid warfare activities against the UK and our allies, specifically around critical undersea infrastructure".
UK forces are tracking the vessels at sea and in the air as part of a coordinated mission with allies. One of the submarines has already headed back to Russia.
The military operations against the Russian submarines, involving more than 500 British service members, lasted more than a month and have now ended, Healey said.
He said there is no evidence that the Russian submarines in the Atlantic had caused any damage to British underwater cables or pipelines. He warned Moscow against further hybrid attacks against the country.
Quote: "To President Putin, I say – we see you, we see your activity over our cables and our pipelines, and you should know that any attempt to damage them will not be tolerated and will have serious consequences."
Background:
- Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov has commented on media reports that sanctioned tankers had been escorted through the English Channel by Russian warships, claiming that Russia was defending its economic interests from "piracy".
- UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer recently announced that the UK Armed Forces and law enforcement agencies are now able to intercept and detain sanctioned vessels from Russia's shadow fleet transiting through British waters.
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