Britain’s Defense Secretary John Healey claimed that a Russian "spy ship" directed lasers at Royal Air Force pilots monitoring its movements near Scotland, describing the alleged action as “deeply dangerous.” Healey said the vessel Yantar— reportedly designed to gather intelligence and map undersea cables- has been operating on the edge of UK waters for several weeks.

Why it matters:

Western officials claimed Russian activity around undersea cables could disrupt internet and financial systems.

The big picture:

UK Defense Secretary John Healey claims a Russian spy vessel has been operating off Scotland’s coast, mapping undersea cables and directing lasers at RAF pilots— a move he called “deeply dangerous.”

Between the lines:

The timing of Healey’s warning, just before the government’s budget bill, has fueled speculation that London is preparing to increase military spending.

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