Russian spy ship currently on edge of UK waters, defence secretary warns

BREAKING

Healey said that it is the second time the ship, the Yantar, has been deployed to the UK.

"A Russian spy ship, the Yantar, is on the edge of UK waters north of Scotland, having entered the UK's wider waters over the last few weeks," Healey told a press conference in Downing Street.

"This is a vessel designed for gathering intelligence and mapping our undersea cables.

"We deployed a Royal Navy frigate and RAF planes to monitor and track this vessel's every move, during which the Yantar directed lasers at our pilots.

"That Russian action is deeply dangerous, and this is the second time this year that this ship, the Yantar, has deployed to UK waters."

He added: "So my message to Russia and to Putin is this: we see you, we know what you're doing, and if the Yantar travels south this week, we are ready."