‘We see you’: U.K. defense secretary issues warning to Putin over Russian ‘spy ship’ spotted in British waters
U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey told British lawmakers on Tuesday that a Russian spy ship entered British waters this week, the BBC reports.
According to Healey, the U.K. authorities detected a vessel called the Yantar about 45 miles off the British coast in the English channel on Monday. He said that two Royal Navy ships were dispatched to monitor its movements.
The BBC notes that the Yantar is operated by the Russian Defense Ministry, which describes it as a research vessel. However, Healey said Moscow was using the ship to gather intelligence and map the U.K.’s critical underwater infrastructure.
Calling the incident “another example of growing Russian aggression,” Healey addressed Vladimir Putin directly:
I also wanted President Putin to hear this message: we see you, we know what you're doing and we will not shy away from robust action to protect this country.
Healey noted that this was the second time in recent months that the Yantar had entered British waters.
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