The Royal Navy is currently monitoring a Russian spy vessel following an incident where lasers were directed at RAF pilots. This is not the first time a ship linked to Putin has approached British waters. Defence Secretary John Healey recently cautioned about a heightened level of threat due to the reappearance of the intelligence ship Yantar near Scotland’s maritime borders. Since the invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Russian military or government-affiliated ships have been identified in British waters over 40 times, indicating what security expert Professor Anthony Glees described as a “hybrid war”.
Among the most concerning encounters, Yantar has been repeatedly sighted around British waters, particularly raising alarm when it was observed hovering above critical undersea cables in the North Sea, responsible for transmitting a significant portion of the nation’s data. The Defence Secretary’s announcement that the ship targeted British aircraft with lasers signifies a significant escalation in tensions. Despite Russia claiming Yantar is conducting scientific oceanographic research, concerns remain about its potential to disrupt telecommunications.
The RFN Admiral Golovoko frigate has breached the English Channel twice within the last year. In one instance, the Royal Navy deployed the HMS St Albans to closely monitor the vessel. Additionally, Royal Navy warships closely trailed a group of Russian ships returning from Syria in March, including the destroyer RFN Severomorsk and landing ship RFN Alexander Shabalin.
Furthermore, the Boikiy naval corvette was observed escorting a cargo vessel, suspected of carrying weapons destined for the conflict in Ukraine, through the English Channel. The Royal Navy has been actively monitoring Russian ships, such as the intelligence gathering ship Yuri Ivanov and the warship RFN Stoikiy, as they navigate near UK waters.
In various instances, Royal Navy vessels like HMS Dragon, HMS Ledbury, and HMS Iron Duke have been deployed to track Russian ships approaching British waters. These efforts aim to ensure the security of UK maritime boundaries amid recurring encounters with Russian naval vessels.