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The Story

The underwater war against Russian sabotage

Jan 28, 2025
George Grylls, Defence Correspondent for The Times, provides insights into the underwater conflict with Russian forces. He highlights alarming activities of Russian spy ships lurking near UK waters, raising national security concerns. The discussion covers the vulnerability of critical infrastructure like telecom cables and NATO's strategic responses. Grylls also delves into the covert operations of shadow fleets and oil tankers, emphasizing the rise of geopolitical tensions and the potential for sabotage in this new Cold War era.
26:36

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The increased Russian surveillance of underwater infrastructure, particularly through spy ships, indicates a significant threat to national security and global communication networks.
  • NATO's coordinated military efforts, exemplified by Operation Baltic Sentry, highlight a collective commitment to protect undersea cables and deter potential aggressors in international waters.

Deep dives

Increased Russian Naval Activity

Recent incidents have highlighted the increased presence of Russian spy ships near British waters, particularly the activities of the Yantar, which has been surveilling critical underwater infrastructure like telecommunications cables and pipelines. The Defence Secretary's acknowledgment of these vessels in Parliament signals a new level of concern regarding Russian surveillance and potential sabotage. The Royal Navy's decision to deploy nuclear submarines in proximity to such ships emphasizes a proactive stance to deter any hostile intentions. This increased naval engagement reflects the broader tensions reminiscent of the Cold War, with the UK taking significant steps to safeguard its maritime boundaries.

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