Portugal tracked 143 Russian vessels: what is Yantar looking for in European waters

According to hvylya.net: In November 2024, the arrival of 'Yantar' in Portuguese waters was recorded, and in the previous weeks, the vessel was actively moving around important underwater infrastructure in British waters. Although 'Yantar' is officially a research vessel, NATO and EU member countries consider it a spy ship of the Main Directorate of Underwater Research of Russia.

Over the past three years, the Portuguese Navy has monitored the passage of 143 Russian vessels through its national waters. Among these vessels was the spy ship 'Yantar', belonging to a secret organization of the Russian Ministry of Defense.

Since monitoring began, an increase in Russian activity in Portuguese waters has been observed. In 2022, 14 vessels were tracked, in 2023 their number grew to 46, and in 2024 it reached 83 ships. Overall, out of the 143 vessels, 31 were classified as 'research vessels.'

Conclusion: Russian ships, in particular, the spy ship 'Yantar', are actively moving through Portuguese waters, raising concerns among NATO and EU member states. This indicates a rise in Russian activity in the region and a deterioration of relations at sea.