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If yesterday Taiwan was the nation that suffered a new cut of submarine cablestoday the tension moves to Europe, to be more exact, to British waters. A few hours ago it was known, through the UK governmentabout events that occurred last fall with a mysterious Russian ship called Yantar. The problem is that it has reappeared in the vicinity of the nation’s underwater communication channels, and this time it has been “escorted” by a Royal Navy nuclear submarine.
Recent raids. The UK has raised its voice about what appears to be a growing threat of aggression from Russia following the recent Yantar spy ship raid in British waters for the second time in just three months, which has been interpreted as an attempt by the Kremlin to evaluate the country’s defense capabilities.
According to British Defense Secretary John Healey, a nuclear submarine and two Royal Navy ships were deployed for two days to monitor the activity of the Yantar, described as a vessel designed for intelligence gathering and mapping of critical underwater infrastructureincluding telecommunications and power cables connecting the UK to mainland Europe.
This incursion, furthermore, occurs in that context of growing concern over the security of key infrastructure in Europe that we have been talking about, and at a time when Western intelligence services have warned about Russia’s intention to use sabotage as a tool of pressure after the war in Ukraine.
The Yantar and its history. The Yantar had previously been detected in November 2024when it was observed to remain over areas of strategic submarine infrastructure of the United Kingdom. On that occasion, Healey authorized a Royal Navy nuclear submarine to surface near the Russian ship, sending a clear message that its movements were being closely monitored.
During the raid, The Yantar was also escorted by the Russian frigate Admiral Golovko and the tanker Vyazmawho left the area after the British response.
Russian ship capabilities. The Yantar, operated by the Main Directorate of Deep Sea Research of the Russian Navy and “officially” a project 22010 oceanographic research vessel, is a ship specifically designed for the collection of information on underwater infrastructure. It is equipped with autonomous submersibles capable of operating at depths of up to 5,500 metersallowing you to identify, map and even manipulate submarine cables essential for Europe’s connectivity and energy supply.
In this regard, and although its capabilities could allow acts of sabotage, security experts, such as Justin Crump of the intelligence firm Sibylline, point out that the main purpose of the vessel appears to be aimed at collecting sensitive information for future strategic operations, rather than direct action.
Concern about Russian sabotage. There is no doubt that Yantar’s activities have generated concern in the United Kingdom and throughout Europe, especially after recent incidents in the Baltic Sea, where underwater energy and telecommunications cables were found cut in what have been suspected to be deliberate acts. of sabotage, unconfirmed acts and that, as we told yesterdayofficial investigations point to other types of problems derived from inexperience.
Be that as it may, what is certain is that NATO has responded by intensifying its presence in the region with operation Baltic Sentrydeploying warships, air patrols and drones to protect critical underwater infrastructure.
What the United Kingdom says. After what happened for the second time, the British Defense Secretary has emphasized that Russia represents the most immediate and significant threat to the United Kingdomand has reiterated the country’s commitment to taking firm measures to protect its national security.
As part of this strategy, Royal Navy rules of engagement have been updated to allow closer monitoring of Russian vessels suspected of hostile activities. In fact, the most recent incursion of the Yantar into British waters caused HMS Somerset and HMS Tyne will escort the Russian ship until its departure for Dutch watersensuring that he did not remain in the area for prolonged periods.
What does seem crystal clear is that the return of the Yantaring into British waters highlights the growing Russian threat to the UK’s critical infrastructure and the need for constant surveillance and a determined response.
Image | Royal Navy
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