UK Conducts Special Operation to Track Russian Submarine Activity in the North Sea

The United Kingdom has recently concluded a significant military operation focused on tracking the activities of Russian submarines in the North Sea. Defense Secretary John Healey made this announcement during a press conference, emphasizing that the operation lasted more than a month and involved over 500 British military personnel.

Healey underscored the importance of this operation, stating, "I make this statement to draw attention to these actions by Russia. I am telling Putin: we see you, we see your actions regarding our cables and pipelines, and you must know that any attempt to damage them will not be tolerated and will have serious consequences."

He reported that British forces actively monitored Russian submarines as part of the operation, which was initiated following the detection of an attacking submarine of the 'Shark' class in the Far North a few weeks ago. Additionally, two specialized submarines were observed in other areas, reportedly dispatched by the Russian Main Directorate for Deep-Sea Research. Healey noted that the attacking submarine was likely serving as a diversionary maneuver to draw attention away from the other two submarines.

These vessels were operating in the United Kingdom's exclusive economic zone rather than in its coastal territorial waters, necessitating the pursuit by the Royal Navy frigate HMS St Albans and other ships. To ensure round-the-clock surveillance of the submarines, Merlin helicopters and RAF Boeing P-8A anti-submarine warfare aircraft were also deployed.

According to the UK Ministry of Defence, Russian submarines have since left the area. The operation, which lasted a month and involved over 500 servicemen, also included collaboration with Norwegian military forces.

Healey stated that there is currently "no evidence" that Russian vessels have caused any damage to British underwater cables or pipelines, although he did not specify what exactly they were working on. However, the Ministry of Defence emphasized that underwater fiber optic cables are critical for all digital communications, as they carry over 99% of international data traffic, including voice calls and internet data.

In light of these developments, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha commented on the British revelation of secret Russian submarine operations. He stated, "The Russian secret operations in the North Atlantic, uncovered today by the United Kingdom, demonstrate the acute regional and global threats posed by the Russian regime... Exposing Russia's sinister actions is one of the most effective ways to counter them. We urge the international community to abandon any illusions about Moscow. This regime must be deterred, isolated, and ruthlessly sanctioned to counter its aggressive ambitions."