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".

U.K. Defense Secretary John Healey told British lawmakers on Tuesday that a Russian spy ship entered British waters this week, the BBC reports.

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.

The Royal Navy is tracking a Russian reconnaissance ship in the English Channel. To protect the country's maritime infrastructure, the UK will also provide aircraft to the new NATO unit, according to a statement from the Ministry of Defense and the UK government website.

Britain’s defence minister has warned Russian President Vladimir Putin that “we will not shy away from robust action” after telling Parliament that a Russian spy vessel had been operating in UK waters this week.