British Defense Secretary John Healey recently issued a stern warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin following the detection of the Russian spy ship Yantar in U.K. waters. The vessel was noted for its suspicious activities near vital undersea cables, prompting heightened surveillance and defensive measures by the Royal Navy. Healey stated, "We see you, we know what you're doing, and we will not shy away from robust action to protect this country," as he addressed Parliament on this pressing security matter.

The Yantar was first spotted about 45 miles off the coast on Monday, prompting the Royal Navy to deploy two ships, HMS Somerset and HMS Tyne, to monitor its movements closely. The ship is suspected of gathering intelligence and mapping the U.K.'s critical underwater infrastructure, a concern that has been exacerbated by recent incidents of cable sabotage linked to Russian activities.

Worries regarding the potential threats to essential power cables and telecommunications systems arose after a series of outages in the Baltic following the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Healey underscored the necessity of strengthening the U.K.'s operational response against potential incursions of Russian maritime and aerial capabilities near British and NATO waters. As a part of these enhanced measures, British maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft will be utilized to ensure comprehensive monitoring of strategic undersea cables.

Previously, the Yantar had also been detected loitering over such infrastructure in November, leading to a warship's increased readiness. Healey disclosed plans to adjust the Royal Navy's rules of engagement, allowing closer surveillance of the vessel. Additionally, a Royal Navy submarine was authorized to surface near the Yantar as a deterrent, demonstrating the U.K.'s commitment to covertly monitor the Russian ship's activities. As tensions escalate, Britain continues to work alongside NATO allies to refine strategies for safeguarding its maritime interests.

The ongoing situation highlights the persistent threat posed by Russian maneuvers in critical regions and reflects a broader concern about hybrid warfare tactics employed by Russia since the onset of the Ukraine conflict. The British Ministry of Defense's proactive approach, including collaborative surveillance with NATO, represents a crucial step in ensuring that vital infrastructure remains protected. For more on this situation, visit CBS News and Reuters.