The United Kingdom on Wednesday issued a strong warning to Russia after confirming that a Russian naval vessel entered British waters and directed lasers at its pilots.

British Defence Secretary John Healey said that this was the second such incident involving the ship, named Yantar, this year.

Speaking at a press briefing in Downing Street, Healey said the Yantar had moved into the UK’s wider waters over recent weeks and was now positioned north of Scotland.

He noted that the UK deployed a Royal Navy frigate and Royal Air Force aircraft to monitor the vessel closely. During this operation, the Russian ship allegedly pointed lasers at British pilots, an action Healey described as “deeply dangerous".

In a clear message to Moscow, Healey said: “My message to Russia and to Putin is this:

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