Britain issued a strong caution to Russia today following the exposure of a Russian submarine mission aimed at mapping critical undersea infrastructure near UK waters by the British military.
Ambassador Neil Holland, representing the UK, Norway, and the Netherlands, spoke in Vienna, warning Putin against operating covertly. The UK and its allies tracked a Russian attack submarine and two spy submarines in the North Atlantic for a month before their withdrawal.
These submarines, including two from the Main Directorate of Deep Sea Research (GUGI), were involved in a month-long covert operation in the Atlantic. GUGI is a Russian military program focused on developing capabilities for underwater infrastructure surveys, with potential sabotage intentions during conflicts.
Holland disclosed that Russia instructed these vessels to conduct hybrid warfare activities against the UK and its Allies, particularly around Critical Undersea Infrastructure, essential for internet, data sharing, and financial transactions.
In response, the UK deployed Armed Forces to monitor and deter any malicious activities by these vessels. Holland emphasized that Russia must not operate in secrecy and that the UK and its Allies are prepared to defend their Critical Undersea Infrastructure with severe consequences for any attempts at sabotage.
Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized the UK’s commitment to defending interests and Allies, addressing escalating threats to NATO in the High North while supporting Ukraine and safeguarding the UK homeland. He warned Putin against any actions targeting the underwater infrastructure, stating that such actions would face severe repercussions.
