UK Defense Minister John Healey Issues Direct Warning to Putin Over Yantar Incident

UK Defence Secretary John Healey issued a pointed warning to Russia and President Vladimir Putin during a press conference, citing alleged activities of the Russian research and oceanographic vessel Yantar in British waters. According to Healey, the ship is part of a Russian fleet designed to threaten European undersea infrastructure, conducting surveillance during peacetime and potential sabotage during conflict.

“We see you. We know what you are doing. And if ‘Yantar’ heads south this week, we will be ready,” — John Healey, UK Defence Secretary

UK Claims Yantar Conducted Laser Interference Against RAF Pilots

Healey further alleged that the Russian vessel has been mapping underwater cables and directing laser beams at Royal Air Force pilots operating near the British coastline. He described such actions as extremely dangerous and unacceptable.

“Anything that obstructs, disrupts, or endangers British military aircrew is extremely dangerous,” — John Healey

The minister added that London had not previously encountered reports of similar actions by “Yantar,” emphasizing that the government views these claims with utmost seriousness.

Healey Previously Accused Yantar of Espionage

Earlier in 2025, the UK Ministry of Defence deployed two naval vessels to monitor Yantar as it transited the English Channel. Healey stated at the time that he amended the Royal Navy’s Rules of Engagement to allow British warships to approach the vessel more closely and track it more effectively.

“I changed the Rules of Engagement of the Royal Navy so our warships could close in on ‘Yantar’ and monitor it more effectively,” — John Healey

Healey previously claimed that the vessel was being used for intelligence gathering and espionage, collecting information on critical underwater infrastructure. He also acknowledged that Yantar had not violated international navigation rules.

UK Signals Readiness to Board Russian Vessels if Infrastructure Is Threatened

British officials have stated that the country’s rapid deployment forces remain prepared to board Russian ships off the UK coast and detain them if there is evidence they are damaging subsea pipelines or communication cables. London asserts it will act decisively to protect national and allied infrastructure.