Defence secretary tells Commons the Yantar had been ‘mapping the UK’s critical underwater infrastructure’

Summary

The Royal Navy tracked the Russian ship Yantar as it entered UK waters on Monday, with Defence Secretary John Healey accusing it of “mapping the UK’s critical underwater infrastructure.”

Healey told MPs that Yantar, labeled a “spy ship,” has targeted undersea cables essential for oil, gas, electricity, and internet.

This marks its second intrusion in three months.

NATO allies have increased patrols amid rising concerns about Russia’s threats to undersea infrastructure following recent unexplained cable damages and Russia’s heightened aggression since invading Ukraine.