Russian surveillance devices detected in British waters tracking submarines.

According to an investigation by the Sunday Times, British military personnel discovered sensor devices in the waters, which were likely used to track the UK's nuclear submarines on behalf of Russia. Some of these devices were found on the shore, while others were discovered on a British naval ship. According to three sources from the UK Ministry of Defence, superyachts owned by Russian businessmen may have been used to deploy the sensors. Some of these vessels have 'moon pools' that allow them to hide and retrieve reconnaissance and diving equipment. In 2018, the British ship HMS Albion left the port of Limassol (Cyprus) due to a large superyacht docking nearby. There was a suspicion that this yacht arrived to conduct secret surveillance, so the military vessel decided to quickly move away. Also, in 2020, Russian underwater drones were found near critical underwater cables for the United Kingdom. On April 1, the British government announced that Russia would be moved to an 'enhanced' category of the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme, applied to countries that may potentially undermine the security or interests of the United Kingdom. Currently, only Russia and Iran have received this category. The UK's Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, emphasized that anyone with ties to Russian government structures, including the military, intelligence, and ruling political parties, will need to register under the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme. This scheme is expected to come into effect on July 1, 2025. Recent discoveries indicate an increase in Russia's military intelligence activities in the maritime waters near the United Kingdom. This has raised serious outrage and concern among British military and political leadership and indicates the presence of an acute conflict between the two countries. Increased tension in the maritime realm could have serious consequences for security and stability in the region.