Russia has issued a strong warning to the United Kingdom after comments made by UK Defence Secretary John Healy about the Russian oceanographic research vessel Yantar, which has been operating in international waters.
In a statement dated Thursday, November 20, 2025, the Russian Embassy in the United Kingdom described Healy’s remarks as “provocative.”
“We have taken note of the latest provocative statements by UK Defence Secretary John Healy. This time, the pretext was the activities of the Russian oceanographic research vessel Yantar operating in international waters,” the embassy said.
Russia Insists its Actions Pose no Threat to the UK
According to the statement, Russia insists its actions pose no threat to the United Kingdom.
“The British leadership’s endless accusations and suspicions only cause a smile. Russia’s actions do not impinge upon the interests of the United Kingdom, nor are they intended to undermine its security. We have no interest in British underwater communications,” the embassy added.
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The Russian government accused London of fueling tensions in Europe, saying the UK’s policies were contributing to instability.
“Through its Russophobic policies and stoking of militaristic hysteria, London is contributing to the further erosion of European security, creating conditions that could lead to new dangerous incidents.”
UK Accuses Putin’s Government of Spying on Them
The Russian administration further issued a warning, urging the UK to avoid actions that could escalate tensions.
“We urge the British side to refrain from taking destructive steps that would only aggravate the crisis on the European continent,’ said the Russian Embassy.
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Russia’s warning to the UK government follows an accusation from John Healey, the UK Defence Secretary, who claimed that Russia is endangering RAF pilots by directing lasers from the spy ship Yantar at aircraft monitoring it near UK waters north of Scotland.
“I would like to update you on the threats our country faces and the decisions this government is making in response. As I speak, a Russian spy ship, the Yantar, is operating at the edge of UK waters north of Scotland, having entered the UK’s wider waters over the past few weeks. This vessel is used for gathering intelligence and mapping undersea cables,” said the UK Defence Secretary.
He described the action as “deeply dangerous” and warned Vladimir Putin that Britain is prepared to use military options if the vessel moves further south into territorial waters, stating: “We see you; we know what you’re doing.”
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