A Russian military ship was detected in British waters a few weeks ago.
The Yantar would have made it possible to “collect intelligence”, says the British Ministry of Defense.
As a result, London issued a “very clear” warning this Wednesday to Moscow.
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Ukraine: almost three years of war
Unquestionably, Moscow no longer limits itself to international waters. After the Baltic Sea, it is the turn of the English Channel to be the scene of espionage actions coming from Russia, according to revelations from the British Defense Minister. This Wednesday, January 22, John Healey affirmed that a “Russian spy ship” was spotted in British waters by the Royal Navy on Monday. A provocation which earned a warning against the Russian president.
A closely monitored ship
The Russian military ship had already been detected a few weeks ago above submarine cables (new window)in British waters, according to the Ministry of Defense press release. Named Yanta, this boat intended for oceanographic research is in reality well known to Western intelligence services. Reason why he was closely followed since his arrival in the Baltic Sea, and all the way to the North Sea, where he is now. That’s where he was “used to gather intelligence and map the UK’s critical underwater infrastructure”according to the minister’s details. In reaction, “the Royal Navy deployed HMS Somerset and HMS Tyne to monitor it every minute in our waters”.
On the French side, the Maritime Prefecture of the Channel and the North Sea indicated that “French military means” were also mobilized in tracking the spy ship. “It regularly happens that there is a passage of a Russian vessel and there is always close surveillance which is put in place with security means and mobilization of the maritime chain.” At this stage, however, the ship did not show “of proven hostile intent”. (new window)
Which did not prevent London from sending a message “clair” to Vladimir Putin. “We know what you are doing, and we will not hesitate to take strong action to protect the UK”warned John Healey to the deputies. Already in November, a Royal Navy submarine surfaced near the Yantar, “to make it clear that we had been secretly monitoring his every move.” It then headed towards the Mediterranean, according to John Healey.
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