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.

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 you're doing".