(Commonwealth_Europe) Following its detection near UK waters earlier this week, the Royal Navy has been actively monitoring the Russian vessel Yantar. Defence Secretary John Healey briefed Members of Parliament, indicating that Yantar, operated by the Russian Ministry of Defence, is believed to be engaged in intelligence-gathering activities, including mapping the UK’s critical underwater infrastructure. Healey framed the incident as part of a broader trend of increasing Russian military assertiveness and emphasized that the UK is prepared to take necessary measures to safeguard its national security.
Yantar, which Russia officially classifies as an oceanic research vessel, has long been the subject of suspicion by Western nations, who question its true purpose. People suspect the ship of mapping undersea cables, crucial for global energy supplies and internet communications. Yantar possesses submersible drones that can penetrate the ocean floor, potentially disrupting vital infrastructure. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, reports of Russian naval activity in European waters have escalated, with Yantar frequently identified as part of these operations.
Currently operating in the North Sea, Yantar was first detected 45 miles off the British coast in the English Channel on Monday. In response, the Royal Navy deployed HMS Somerset and HMS Tyne to monitor the ship’s movements. British warships introduced new rules of engagement to closely track the vessel. According to Healey, Yantar complied with international navigation regulations during its time in UK waters.
This marks the second instance in recent months that Yantar has been observed in proximity to critical UK undersea infrastructure. A previous sighting in November raised concerns, and a Royal Navy submarine was ordered to surface near the vessel, a move intended to send a clear message that the UK is actively monitoring its activities. Defense sources later confirmed that before Yantar left UK waters and headed toward the Mediterranean, they issued a verbal warning.
The UK government has pledged to strengthen its response to Russian naval activities, with a particular focus on coordinating efforts with NATO allies. Healey also noted that the Royal Air Force will deploy surveillance aircraft as part of a NATO mission to protect critical infrastructure in the Baltic Sea, particularly following the damage to an undersea cable between Estonia and Finland in December. Finnish authorities are investigating the possibility of Russian involvement in the incident.
Opposition parties, including Shadow Defence Secretary James Cartlidge, have expressed support for the government’s approach, highlighting the importance of transparency regarding the threat posed by Russian activity. Cartlidge also welcomed the updated rules of engagement, asserting that it sends a strong message to Russia that the UK will not tolerate further encroachments on its sovereignty. Additionally, Cartlidge stressed the importance of increased defense spending to address the growing challenges posed by Russian naval operations.
Former Defence Secretary Grant Shapps has called for a more proactive approach, suggesting that the government should consider detaining ships suspected of espionage activities in UK waters. Shapps argued that a more direct investigation could help clarify the true intentions of such vessels.
Russian officials view Yantar as a legitimate scientific research vessel conducting oceanographic and marine geological studies. Russian officials have consistently defended the vessel’s operations as being by international maritime law, asserting that the ship is within its rights to operate in international waters, including areas near the UK’s territorial waters. Moscow maintains that its naval activities are defensive and part of routine operations aimed at ensuring national security, particularly in regions of strategic interest.
Russian officials have also emphasized that the use of submersible drones aboard Yantar is for peaceful scientific exploration, such as mapping the ocean floor and studying underwater features, rather than any form of espionage. In this context, Russia positions its naval operations as a response to the increasing presence of NATO and Western military forces near its borders. From this viewpoint, Russian activity near UK waters is seen as a countermeasure to NATO’s expanded military footprint in the region, rather than an act of aggression or disruption of critical infrastructure.
In summary, while the UK sees Yantar’s presence as part of a broader pattern of Russian aggression, Russia maintains that the ship is engaged in legitimate research activities. The contrasting perspectives underscore the geopolitical tensions surrounding the protection of undersea infrastructure and the broader security concerns in European waters.