Overview
- The Yantar is positioned on the edge of UK waters north of Scotland after entering the UK's wider waters in recent weeks.
- The UK has deployed a Royal Navy frigate and RAF aircraft to monitor and track the vessel.
- Ministers say the ship directed lasers at RAF aircrew during monitoring flights, an action condemned as dangerous.
- Defence Secretary John Healey warned Russia and President Putin that the UK is watching and stands ready if the vessel moves south this week.
- A Commons Defence Committee report intensified scrutiny by saying Britain lacks a clear plan to defend the homeland and overseas territories, citing over-reliance on allies.