Russian spy ship ‘directed lasers’ at UK forces, Defense Secretary says – POLITICO

“The Yantar directed lasers at our pilots,” Healey said. “This Russian action is deeply dangerous.”

“My message to Russia and (Russian President Vladimir) Putin is this: We see you. We know what you are doing. And if the Yantar heads south this week, we are ready.”

Healey said the ship was designed to “put and maintain our and our allies’ underwater infrastructure at risk” by having “capabilities that can conduct surveillance in peacetime and sabotage in times of conflict.”

Asked why lasers posed such a risk, the Defense Secretary said: “Anything that impedes, disrupts or puts at risk pilots in charge of British military aircraft is deeply dangerous.”

The navy’s rules of engagement had been changed so that the Yantar could be monitored more closely, and military options were ready if the ship changed course.

“I’m not going to reveal them, because that will only make President Putin wiser,” Healey said.