On Thursday, British Defense Secretary John Healey stated that three Russian submarines recently conducted “secret” operations near key underwater cables and pipelines in the northern waters of the UK.
The UK promptly deployed warships and aircraft to deter any potential threats, and currently, there is no evidence to suggest damage to the Atlantic infrastructure. Healey directly addressed Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying, “We are watching you. We have seen your activities on the cables and pipelines, and any attempt to disrupt them will face serious consequences.”
According to BBC reports, underwater cables and pipelines are crucial for data and energy flow in the UK. There are approximately 60 undersea cables landing in the UK, primarily located in East Anglia and southwest England, carrying over 90% of the country’s daily internet traffic. Additionally, about 77% of the UK’s imported natural gas comes through the North Sea pipelines from Norway, including the 1,166-kilometer-long Langeled pipeline.
Healey revealed at a Downing Street press conference that the Russians deployed an Akula-class submarine to divert attention, while two spy submarines belonging to the Russian Main Directorate of Deep-Sea Research (GUGI) were assigned for reconnaissance. Upon discovery by the British military, the HMS St Albans Type 23 frigate, RFA Tidespring supply ship, and Merlin helicopters were dispatched for tracking, with Norway and other countries joining in cooperation.
Healey stated that the British military has deployed sonar buoys for round-the-clock monitoring, exposing the Russian actions. He warned that Putin is attempting to launch a “hybrid warfare” while the world is distracted by the Middle East situation in retaliation for Western support of Ukraine. The Russian Embassy responded by stating that Russia is “not interested in British underwater communications.”
During the press conference, Healey emphasized that the UK is strengthening interception of Putin’s “shadow tanker fleet” with allies.
Reuters data shows that two oil tankers sanctioned by the UK – the Russian-flagged Universal and the Cameroonian-flagged Enigma – escorted by Russian navy ships, passed through the English Channel from Wednesday to Thursday. These ships collectively carried around 80,000 tons of diesel from Primorsk, Russia’s second-largest port in the Baltic Sea.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer authorized the military last month to board and detain Russian vessels evading sanctions when necessary. Healey confirmed, “We have military options and are prepared to intercept the shadow fleet with our allies.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov retaliated on Thursday, stating that Russia has witnessed multiple instances of “piracy” in international waters and has the right to take measures to protect its economic interests and maritime security.
Currently, military forces from Belgium, France, and the Netherlands have also joined the monitoring operation against Russian vessels.