A Russian spy ship, the Yantar, has entered British waters off Scotland’s coast, where it directed lasers at military pilots, according to Britain’s defense secretary John Healey. The incident marks a “new era of threat” from hostile actors, Healey warned, as Russia seeks to test Europe’s resolve by backing Ukraine.
Russia claims the Yantar is an oceanographic research vessel operating in international waters, but Healey said it was designed for gathering intelligence and mapping undersea cables. Britain has increased its military presence and monitoring efforts around the ship, which has entered its exclusive economic zone. The UK government vows to remain vigilant and support Ukraine, with military options ready if the Yantar changes course.
Russia’s recent actions include repeated drone incursions into NATO airspace, sabotage in Eastern Europe, and airstrikes on western Ukraine. Poland blames Russia for a key rail track explosion, prompting NATO fighter jets to scramble over Polish and Romanian airspace. Healey urges Russia to change its aggressive behavior, saying “We see you, we know what you’re doing, and if the Yantar travels south this week, we are ready.”
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/11/19/uk/russia-spy-ship-yantar-lasers-britain-intl