A Russian 'spy ship' long suspected of surveilling the UK's crucial network of undersea cables has been spotted on the edge of our waters once again.

The Russians claim the Yantar is a research vessel, but it is operated by a branch of the Kremlin's armed forces - and its intentions are murky.

"This is the second time in a year that it's entered UK waters," defence secretary John Healey said on Wednesday .

The UK is connected to Europe - and beyond - by networks of cables that run along the sea bed. In a Sky News report earlier this year, we examined whether they are vulnerable to sabotage .

So what is the Yantar ship, and what is it up to?

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Russian spy ship 'on edge of UK waters'

A 'research' vessel

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