Russian spy ship raises NATO tensions in Kattegat Strait
"Yantar" - a Russian spy ship has entered the Kattegat Strait, which divides two NATO countries - Denmark and Sweden. There are suspicions that the vessel is collecting data on critical infrastructure in this area. Recently, there have been several incidents of damage to underwater infrastructure in Europe, with Russia being the main suspect.
According to official data, "Yantar" holds the status of a research ship. In recent days, the vessel was sailing off the coast of the United Kingdom. According to the UK's Defence Secretary, John Healey, it was gathering information on underwater critical infrastructure objects.
- I also wanted President [Vladimir] Putin to hear this message: ‘We see you, we know what you’re doing and we will not shy away from robust action to protect this country’ - emphasized Healey, as quoted by the BBC.
The British authorities dispatched the ships HMS Somerset and HMS Tyne to monitor the movements of "Yantar." In November of last year, the Royal Navy used a nuclear-powered submarine to deter the vessel. After this incident, "Yantar" sailed towards the Mediterranean Sea.
Concern off the coast of Denmark. A Russian ship appeared
According to the Vesselfinder service, "Yantar" is currently located near the Danish cape of Skagen, in a narrow strip of international waters.
The Kattegat Strait contains important underwater infrastructure, including power and telecommunications cables connecting Denmark and Sweden, and providing energy and internet to smaller islands.
The presence of "Yantar" in this region is raising justified concern. The Danish navy is closely monitoring its movements.
Damage to underwater cables: A series of incidents
The concern of Danish services was heightened by incidents that took place in the fall. At the end of November, two underwater telecommunications cables were damaged in the Baltic Sea.
The leads point to the actions of the Chinese cargo ship Yi Peng 3. The ship had left the Russian port of Ust-Luga a few days earlier. According to experts, the incident was not accidental and may indicate cooperation between services from Beijing and Moscow.
