In brief
The UK Ministry of Defence has issued a strong warning to Russia, revealing that three Russian submarines were monitored conducting covert operations over British underwater cables and pipelines. Defense Secretary John Healey stated that the UK government took proactive measures to deter any potential threats and addressed Russian President Vladimir Putin directly, emphasizing that any attack on UK infrastructure would be met with serious consequences. The Russian embassy in London has denied these accusations, claiming there is no aggressive intent.
Three Russian submarines conducted a covert operation over cables and pipelines in waters north of the UK, Defence Secretary John Healey said.
A British warship and aircraft were deployed to deter the malign activity by Moscow, and there was no evidence of any damage to UK infrastructure in the Atlantic, he added.
Addressing Russian President Vladimir Putin directly, Healey stated: 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.
The Russian embassy in London has denied Healey's claims, according to Moscow's state news agency Tass.
The UK is dependent on its undersea cables and pipelines for its data and energy. There are around 60 undersea cables which come ashore at several points along the UK coastline, particularly around East Anglia and South West England.
More than 90% of the UK's day-to-day internet traffic travels via these undersea cables.
Healey reported that Russia had sent an Akula class submarine as a diversion while two of its GUGI spy submarines conducted surveillance.
Following the UK intelligence monitoring, the attack submarine retreated to Russia, while the GUGI vessels remained operational.
The Royal Navy deployed frigate HMS St Albans and other vessels to track these submarines.
It is believed that these Russian vessels pose a significant threat to UK's underwater infrastructure aimed at major data and energy supply.
This situation raises alarms about the hybrid warfare tactics employed by Russia, intending to engage in disruptive operations before any potential conflict arises.
