Key Takeaways:

• The UK Royal Navy is actively tracking the Russian spy ship Yantar, accused of gathering intelligence on critical undersea infrastructure.
• UK Defense Secretary John Healey issued a stern warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin: "We see you, we know what you're doing."
• The monitoring coincides with rising tensions regarding the security of undersea cables following incidents of suspected sabotage.

The Royal Navy has heightened its vigilance in response to the presence of the Russian spy ship Yantar, which was recently spotted infringing upon British waters, approximately 45 miles off the coast. British Defense Secretary John Healey disclosed in Parliament that this vessel is alleged to be gathering intelligence and mapping the UK’s critical underwater infrastructure. "I want President Putin to hear this message: We see you, we know what you're doing, and we will not shy away from robust action to protect this country," he stated, emphasizing a proactive stance against perceived threats.

The Yantar was detected entering British waters earlier this week, prompting the deployment of two Royal Navy vessels, HMS Somerset and HMS Tyne, to monitor its activities every minute. Given the heightened concern regarding the security of undersea cables, Healey revealed that measures had been adjusted to allow closer surveillance and even permitted a Royal Navy submarine to surface near the Yantar as a deterrent action.

This incident is particularly significant amid fears of potential sabotage, as there have been multiple instances of disruptions to undersea cables linked to Russian maritime activity since the onset of its military aggression against Ukraine in 2022. Concerns have been mounting regarding the safety of undersea communication links, especially after instances of power cable disconnections in the Baltic Sea reported by Al Jazeera.

Moreover, Healey noted that similar activities involving the Yantar had occurred in November, when it was observed loitering above vital undersea infrastructure, prompting prior tracking initiatives. The coordination of defense efforts with NATO was emphasized, as the UK prepares to provide military aid to bolster Ukraine's defense against ongoing Russian threats according to Business Insider.

In a broader context, the UK is enhancing its military posture and engaging in sanctions against vessels identified as part of Russia's shadow fleet, further indicating Western nations' commitment to counteracting Russian aggression. Secretary Healey reiterated, “Russian aggression will not be tolerated, at home or in Ukraine,” asserting the UK’s determination to protect its interests.

For further details, read the full article on Newsweek and CBS News.