MPs have been told about a Russian spy vessel operating around the UK (Image: Getty)
Defence Secretary John Healey has warned Vladmir Putin “we see you” after a Russian spy vessel used to map critical underwater infrastructure entered UK waters.
Taking aim at the Russian President, he said: “We see you, we know what you are doing and we will not shy away from robust action to protect this country.”
Mr Healey told how the ship Yantar, used for gathering intelligence, “passed through British Waters” on Monday.
He told the Commons: “The foreign ship Yantar is currently in the North Sea having passed through British waters. Let me be clear, this is a Russian spy ship used for gathering intelligence and mapping the UK’s critical underwater infrastructure.
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“Yantar entered the UK exclusive economic zone about 45 miles off the British coast on Monday. For the last two days the Royal Navy has deployed HMS Somerset and HMS Tyne to monitor the vessel every minute through our waters.
“AI changed the Royal Navy’s rules of engagement so that our warships can get closer and better track the Yantar. So far, the ship has complied with international rules of navigation.”
He called it an example of “growing Russian aggression” and the biggest external threat to Britain, Mr Healey said.
Defence Secretary John Healey said this was the second time the Russian spy vessel had entered UK waters in recent months, noting the ship was also closely watched in November.
He told MPs: “It was detected loitering over UK critical undersea infrastructure. To deter any potential threat, I took measured steps then as part of a clear direct response to the Russian vessel.
“RAF maritime patrol aircraft alongside HMS Cattistock, HMS Tyne and RFA Proteus were deployed to shadow Yantar’s every movement.
“Today, I also wanted to confirm to the House that I authorised a Royal Navy submarine, strictly as a deterrent measure, to surface close to Yantar to make clear that we had been covertly monitoring its every move. The ship then left UK waters without further loitering and sailed down to the Mediterranean.”