Russian Ambassador to the UK Andrei Kelin has openly acknowledged that Russia may be using underwater sensors to track British nuclear submarines, while dismissing claims that such activities pose any threat to the United Kingdom.
During an interview on BBC One's "Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg," Kelin was questioned about recent allegations regarding Russian sensors hidden in waters around Britain. When asked if he objected to these claims, the ambassador simply replied "No."
"I am not going to deny it," Kelin stated, though he downplayed the significance by questioning Russia's interest in tracking what he called "outdated nuclear warheads."
The discussion follows a Sunday Times investigation that revealed the discovery of suspected Russian sensors in British waters. These devices are reportedly aimed at gathering intelligence on Britain's four Vanguard submarines that carry nuclear missiles. British military officials have identified the sensors as a potential national security concern.
Defence experts view these activities as part of Russia's "grey zone" warfare tactics, which may include attempts to compromise critical infrastructure like energy pipelines. Former Conservative minister Tobias Ellwood warned that the UK is "behind the curve" in monitoring Russia's deep-sea operations.
The Ministry of Defence has responded by emphasizing its commitment to protecting undersea infrastructure. Working with NATO allies, the UK is strengthening its response through enhanced patrols and new technologies to prevent Russian vessels from operating undetected near British territory.
This development comes after several incidents involving Russian naval vessels near UK waters, including the tracking of the Russian warship Boikiy and the spy ship Yantar in recent months.
The Royal Navy maintains that its nuclear deterrent continues to patrol global waters undetected, as it has done for the past 56 years.