Kremlin’s Covert Operations
The Yantar, a Russian vessel known for its suspected espionage activities, was recently tracked in UK waters, raising significant alarm. UK Defence Secretary John Healey issued a stark warning to President Vladimir Putin, stating, “We see you,” after this spy ship was spotted. Officially designated for oceanographic research, Western officials believe Yantar is involved in gathering intelligence to potentially sabotage undersea infrastructure.
A Closer Look at the Yantar
Operating under the Russian Ministry of Defence since 2015, Yantar is linked to the secretive underwater research agency known as GUGI. This agency, which evolved from a division of the Russian navy into an independent entity, oversees a fleet that includes specialized submarines. Yantar’s design allows it to perform intelligence-gathering tasks effectively, as it can hover over locations and interact directly with the seabed, hosting both manned submarines and remote-operated vehicles capable of reaching significant depths.
Tracking Yantar’s Movements
Yantar entered UK waters earlier this week, detected 45 miles off the British coast. Analysis of tracking data revealed its passage through the English Channel as it moved towards Belgian and Dutch waters, moving close to critical undersea telecommunications cables. In response to Yantar’s presence, the UK dispatched two Royal Navy ships, HMS Somerset and HMS Tyne, and for the first time, authorized a British submarine to surface near the Russian vessel. This unusual action highlighted a clear message: the UK is closely monitoring Yantar’s operations.
Historical Patterns of Surveillance
Yantar’s recent movements reflect a pattern of scrutiny and concern from European nations. Previously, the ship was escorted from Irish and British waters after it raised suspicions by loitering over critical undersea infrastructure. It also made headlines in November when it transited through the Mediterranean, undertaking missions that triggered speculation about its objectives, including a survey of a sunken Kremlin-affiliated cargo ship.
The Threat of Future Sabotage
While there is no concrete evidence linking Yantar’s activities directly to acts of sabotage, the growing number of suspicious incidents involving undersea cables increases concerns about its intentions. Last year saw significant damage to critical cables, with investigations suggesting possible deliberate interference. Experts point out that, regardless of the true nature of these incidents, the Kremlin’s use of a shadow fleet enables it to operate with plausible deniability, posing an ongoing threat to undersea infrastructure across Europe.
SOURCE: Ref Image from New York Times
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