The UK warned Russia on Wednesday that it was ready to deal with any incursions into its territory after the Yantar spy ship was detected on the edge of UK waters north of Scotland.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey said that the Russian vessel had directed lasers at pilots of Royal Air Force (RAF) surveillance aircraft monitoring its activities.

"My message to Russia and to Putin is this: We see you. We know what you're doing. And if the Yantar travels south this week, we are ready," Healey said during a speech in London.

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British officials said the Yantar is part of the Russian navy, designed to conduct surveillance in peacetime and sabotage during times of war.

[British Defence Secretary John Healey delivers a speech at No 9

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