Defense Secretary John Healey noted that a frigate, aircraft, and hundreds of personnel kept watch over a Russian attack submarine and two spy submarines near critical undersea infrastructure north of the UK. He mentioned that the Russian vessels ultimately departed following the operation, which spanned more than a month.
Healey conveyed a strong message to Russia: “We are aware of your activities concerning our cables and pipelines, and any attempts to compromise them will not go unchallenged and will incur significant repercussions.”
Officials from Norway’s defense and foreign ministries, along with the armed forces, did not promptly respond to inquiries for comment.
British authorities have aimed to maintain international focus on Russia, even as global attention shifts towards conflicts in West Asia. They have also highlighted the connections between those conflicts and the situation in Ukraine, noting that Russia has provided Iran with drone components and additional support.
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Healey stated during a press briefing that “Putin would prefer us to be preoccupied with the Middle East,” but affirmed that Russia poses the primary threat to the UK and its allies.
“We will not lose sight of Putin,” he asserted.
In late March, the UK announced its military readiness to seize vessels suspected of being part of Russia’s “shadow fleet,” which is involved in oil transportation in contravention of international sanctions due to Moscow’s actions in Ukraine. Previously, Britain had limited its involvement to assisting France and the US in monitoring vessels before boarding.
“We are prepared to take action” against these vessels, Healey declared.
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