UK warns Russia over spy ship operating near Scottish waters

UK Defence Secretary John Healey has issued a stark warning to Russia after a Russian intelligence vessel, the Yantar, was detected near UK waters north of Scotland.

"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. 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, Healey said, speaking at Downing Street, Caliber.Az reports via Sky News. 

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

Sky News has approached the Kremlin and the Russian embassy in London for comment regarding Healey's claims.

The defence secretary confirmed that military options are prepared should the Yantar alter its course, but declined to provide details for security reasons.

He also referenced a previous encounter, noting that the last time the Yantar was in UK waters, "the British military surfaced a nuclear-powered attack submarine close to the ship that they did not know was there."

By Sabina Mammadli