Russian spy vessel tracked by Royal Navy warship in English channel as Putin is warned ‘we see you & we’ll take action’
A RUSSIAN spy vessel is being closely tracked by the Royal Navy after reappearing in the English Channel.
Vladimir Putin has now been warned “we see you and we’ll take action” after the enemy ship, known as Yantar, started to loiter near to Britain for the second time in months.
Fears are growing across Europe over potential Russian led sabotage after a number of deep sea cables have been cut in recent months.
The UK is playing a leading role in countering any growing oversea threat to offshore infrastructure alongside Nato allies.
Defence Secretary John Healey told MPs: “It was detected loitering over UK critical undersea infrastructure.
2To 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.”
Mr Healey also sent a direct message to Putin saying: “We see you, we know what you’re doing and we will not shy away from robust action to protect this country.”