A Royal Navy patrol ship has successfully intercepted two Russian vessels in the English Channel, according to the Ministry of Defence (MoD). This operation follows Defence Secretary John Healey's announcement last week regarding the Russian spy ship Yantar, which reportedly directed lasers at RAF pilots monitoring its movements off the Scottish coast. In a continuous surveillance operation, HMS Severn intercepted the RFN Stoikiy, a corvette, and the Yelnya, a tanker, as they navigated west through the Dover Strait. The MoD stated that HMS Severn later transferred monitoring responsibilities to a NATO ally near Brittany, France, while maintaining a watchful distance and readiness to respond to any unexpected activities. Defence Secretary Healey described the actions of the Yantar as “deeply dangerous” and issued a stern warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, stating, “We see you. We know what you’re doing. We are ready.” The MoD has indicated that UK armed forces are actively patrolling from the English Channel to the High North due to a rise in Russian activities that pose a threat to UK waters. Healey noted a 30% increase in clandestine Russian operations in UK waters, highlighting a pattern of increased aggression that extends beyond Ukraine. This is not the first instance of the Stoikiy entering British territory; in May, the Royal Navy dispatched two vessels and the 814 Naval Air Squadron to shadow the Russian warship as it traversed the English Channel. HMS Severn, a River-class offshore patrol vessel, is equipped to escort foreign warships, conduct fishing vessel inspections, and defend the UK border. Commander Grant Dalgleish of HMS Severn remarked, “This tasking shows the value of our patrol ships and reinforces the Royal Navy’s close liaison with our NATO allies in safeguarding the British people and protecting the internationally recognised waterways.” The MoD also reported that while tracking the Yantar, Royal Navy frigate HMS Somerset and other civilian vessels experienced GPS jamming, which was described as unprofessional behaviour intended to disrupt operations. In response to the increased Russian presence, the UK government is planning to bolster defence spending and collaborate with NATO allies to enhance European security. A recent report by a group of MPs has raised concerns about the UK’s preparedness against potential threats, accusing the government of lacking a cohesive national defence strategy. The Defence Select Committee warned that the government is moving at a “glacial” pace to address these issues. The UK has seen a significant uptick in Russian naval activity, with the MoD confirming a 30% increase in Russian vessels threatening UK waters over the past two years. In light of these developments, the MoD maintains that the UK has a comprehensive range of military options to ensure the safety of its waters.