'We see you!' Defence Secretary lashes out at Vladimir Putin in emergency press conference after Russian warship sails through Channel
April 9, 2026
GB News
John Healey has sent a warning to Vladimir Putin after a Russian warship was seen sailing through the Channel.The Defence Secretary told a press conference in Downing Street that in the past few weeks, while many eyes were trained on the Middle East crisis, the UK, in partnership with Norway and other allies, responded to increased Russian activity in the Atlantic north of the UK.This involved a Russian Akula-class nuclear-powered attack submarine and two specialist submarines from Russia’s ministry of defence deep sea research programme known as GUGI (Main Directorate of Deep-Sea Research), he said.Mr Healey said: To President Putin we say, we see you.
TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say We see your activity over our cables and our pipelines, and you should know that any attempt to damage them will not be tolerated and will have serious consequences.He also thanked Norwegian allies for helping with the operation.Mr Healey has claimed Mr Putin wants the UK to be distracted by the Middle East.The Defence Secretary said: What I'm setting out today demonstrates that we are not just exposing his covert operation, but we are saying to him that we recognise Russia as the primary threat to the UK and to Nato.We will not take our eyes off Putin, whilst at the same time we act to protect our British interests and our British allies in the Middle East.MORE FOLLOWS Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter
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