British Defense Secretary John Healey said a Russian spy ship had entered the NATO ally's northern waters and directed lasers at military planes sent to monitor it. He warned the Kremlin that "we are ready" if the vessel tries to travel further south.

Newsweek has contacted the Russian embassy in the U.K. for comment.

Why It Matters

It comes as NATO says Russia has been repeatedly testing the reaction and resolve of the Western alliance in a string of serious provocations as Moscow rapidly rearms in preparation for a potential major war in Europe . The Kremlin denies seeking war with NATO, which is aiding Ukraine's defense against an ongoing Russian invasion, and says the reverse is true.

What To Know

"As I speak, a Russian spy ship, the Yantar , is on the edge of U.K. waters nor

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