The British Ministry of Defense announced that there has been a significant increase in the Russian Navy’s activities in British waters in the last two years. This rise created a new link in the series of events that continue to strain relations. In a statement made on Sunday, it was stated that the British patrol ship HMS Severn stopped a Russian corvette and a tanker passing through the English Channel in the last two weeks.
Interception Operation in the English Channel
During the patrol, HMS Severn followed the Russian forces consisting of the corvette RFN Stoikiy and the tanker Yelnya. The mission was handed over to an unidentified NATO ally off the coast of Brittany. This development once again revealed the intensity of the Russian presence on the British coast. The ministry also reported that three Poseidon surveillance aircraft were deployed to Iceland in parallel with NATO patrols in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions; This step was taken to closely monitor the activities of Russian ships and submarines.
Spy Ship Tension and Mutual Accusations
Before the English Channel incident, Defense Secretary John Healey announced that Yantar, a Russian spy ship off the coast of Scotland, had pointed a laser at British surveillance planes. England criticized Yantar’s behavior reckless and dangerousHe emphasized that they are ready to respond to any intervention against their lands. Healey vs Russia We see you. we know what you doconveyed his message. The Russian Embassy in London informed the British government creating a militaristic hysteriaHe accused Moscow of not intending to undermine Britain’s security.
Defense Spending Debate
These developments were at the center of discussions in the UK about the need to increase defense spending. Healey touched on these issues just before announcing the government’s new budget. Although Prime Minister Keir Starmer has promised significant increases in the defense budget, citing threats from Russia, China and Iran, reconciliation is seen as a difficult process due to the budget deficit.
