The Defence Secretary told the Russian leader: "We see you, we know what you are doing and we will not shy away from robust action to protect this country." It came as the minister told MPs the Russian vessel, Yanta, was currently in the North Sea having passed through British waters.

The Royal Navy has been monitoring a Russian spy ship after it entered British waters, the defence secretary has told MPs. John Healey said the vessel, Yantar, was used for gathering intelligence and mapping the UK's critical underwater infrastructure. He said the incident was "another example of growing Russian aggression".

Defence secretary John Healey sent a stern warning to Vladimir Putin today after a Russian spy ship was spotted in British waters. During a statement in the Commons on Wednesday, the cabinet minister said the “foreign vessel” entered the UK Exclusive Economic Zone just 45 nautical miles from the British coast on Monday.

Britain said it monitored a Russian spy ship in the English Channel in recent days and would strengthen its response to secret operations by Russian ships and aircraft in an effort to protect undersea cables.

British Defence Secretary John Healey told parliament Wednesday the Royal Navy was tracking a "Russian spy ship" that passed through UK waters, warning Russia's President Vladimir Putin: "We know what

Royal Navy ships have been sent to monitor a "spy ship" from Russia which entered British waters earlier this week, according to the defence secretary. This is a breaking news story and is being constantly updated.