UK Defence Secretary John Healey revealed that three Russian submarines conducted a covert operation over crucial undersea cables and pipelines north of the UK. A British warship and aircraft were deployed to deter the "malign" activity. Healey issued a direct warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating that "any attempt to damage them will not be tolerated and will have serious consequences." The Russian embassy in London has denied the claims.
The UK relies heavily on its undersea cables, with over 60 carrying more than 90% of its internet traffic, and a network of gas pipelines. Healey stated Russia deployed an Akula class submarine as a diversion while two GUGI spy submarines conducted surveillance. The Royal Navy tracked the Russian vessels, exposing their operation.
Russia's GUGI (Main Directorate for Deep Sea Research) unit specializes in underwater surveillance and sabotage. These units can deploy miniature, uncrewed submarines capable of covert operations, including potentially cutting or monitoring data cables. This activity is considered part of "hybrid warfare" aimed at disrupting Western nations. Britain and NATO are concerned that such surveillance could provide Russia with an advantage in potential future hostilities.
Healey expressed confidence in the UK's ability to monitor and expose future Russian covert operations. Experts note that while such monitoring is difficult to constrain in peacetime, the UK may have gathered valuable intelligence on Russian tactics and capabilities. The UK's energy security also depends on undersea gas pipelines, particularly from Norway.