UK Warns Putin as Russian Spy Ship Yantar Returns to Edge of British Waters

British defence officials say the Russian intelligence vessel Yantar has returned to the edge of the United Kingdom's territorial waters for a second deployment. Defence Secretary John Healey said Royal Navy and RAF units were deployed to monitor and shadow the ship throughout its patrol.

Healey described the Yantar as a vessel built for undersea surveillance and mapping of subsea cables. Speaking at a press briefing, he said the ship had directed lasers at British pilots during the patrol — an action that increased concerns about the vessel's activities.

“We see you, we know what you're doing and if the Yantar travels south this week, we are ready,” Healey told reporters, addressing President Vladimir Putin directly.

The Yantar is linked to Moscow's Main Directorate of Deep‑Sea Research (GUGI), an organisation that conducts deep‑sea surveillance in peacetime and has been associated with covert operations during conflicts. British officials said the ship's capabilities make it a particular threat to undersea infrastructure such as communications cables.

Domestic defence concerns and response

The defence secretary's warning followed a report by the Commons Defence Committee that highlighted gaps in the UK's planning for defending the homeland and overseas territories. The committee urged the government to create a more coordinated public-facing strategy to explain threat levels and readiness.

Separately, ministers announced plans to expand domestic munitions production, with several new factories planned and the first facility expected to break ground next year. Officials said the move aims to strengthen resilience and supply chains amid rising security concerns.

British forces will continue to shadow the Yantar and maintain heightened readiness while coordinating actions with NATO partners and other allies. Officials emphasised deterrence and surveillance as central elements of the response.