London, Britain – British Defense Secretary John Healey warned of the approach of the Russian spy ship “Yantar” to the borders of British waters north of Scotland,
He stressed that London is closely monitoring its movements and is “prepared” for any development.
In remarks carried by Sky News, Healy said in a statement from Downing Street:
“The Russian spy ship Yantar is located on the edge of British waters north of Scotland,
This comes after it entered wider British waters in recent weeks.
Intelligence gathering
This ship is designed to gather intelligence and map our undersea cables.”
He added that the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force had dispatched a military frigate.
A surveillance aircraft was used to monitor the Russian ship step by step.
He noted that during the tracking operations: “Yantar directed laser beams
at our pilots, in a very dangerous act.”
We are ready
Healy noted that this is the second time this year
that the Russian ship has entered British territorial waters.
He said: “My message to Russia and Putin is clear:
We see you, and we know what you are doing.”
If Yantar heads south this week, we are ready.”
The Russian “Yantar” is known as one of the most prominent
spy ships belonging to the Russian intelligence fleet.
It is accused of having the ability to target or monitor vital
submarine cables that form the backbone of international communications.
