British media report that Russian intelligence ships and drones are actively collecting data on underwater cables and pipelines in Europe.
This was reported on Telegram by the Center for Countering Disinformation under Ukraine’s National Security and Defense Council.
“British media and analysts report that Russian intelligence ships and drones are actively gathering information on underwater cables and pipelines in Europe,” the statement reads.
According to the report, UK Defense Secretary John Healey confirmed that Russian intelligence uses the vessel Yantar to collect information on underwater infrastructure, while drone activity is observed near cables. About 95% of global internet traffic and up to $10 trillion in daily financial transactions pass through these underwater cables. Given the war against Ukraine, analysts believe the Kremlin views such operations as a way to destabilize the West and pressure Ukraine’s allies. Such sabotage could affect not only defense but also finance, logistics, and communications.
The Center reminded that in January, the UK Parliament initiated an investigation into the state and security of underwater communications. Similar risks are being noted in other regions of Europe — in the Baltic Sea, cases of cable damage are already under review.
The Center previously reported on other hybrid attacks by Russia on Europe’s critical infrastructure. Notably, GPS jamming incidents in the Baltic Sea have sharply increased, posing a threat to civil aviation.
These operations are part of a systemic Kremlin strategy — weakening Europe through sabotage, disinformation, and intimidation of the population to reduce support for Ukraine.
