Russian Spy Ship Lasers UK Military Pilots in Territorial Waters
A Russian spy ship operating in British waters directed lasers at military pilots, prompting a response from the UK government. The incident,revealed Wednesday,underscores escalating tensions between the UK and Russia,with London accusing Moscow of increasingly provocative behavior.
Foreign Secretary Yvette cooper stated Russia is ”seeking continually to escalate” after failing to achieve its military objectives this year. “We can see the approach they are taking, we have no illusions about what they are doing. we see what Putin is doing and we understand and we will continue to be vigilant and determined in our response,” she said. Cooper emphasized the UK’s continued support for ukraine, asserting, “Ukraine‘s security is our security.”
The incident follows recent Russian incursions into Nato airspace and comes as Defense Secretary Grant shapps and Labor leader Keir Starmer navigate disagreements regarding UK participation in a new European defence fund, known as Safe.
According to a report by politico, Brussels is seeking contributions of between €4.5bn (£4bn) and €6.5bn (£5.7bn) from the UK for the Safe fund, while the UK has offered between €200m and €300m (£176m to £264m). Shapps indicated the government will only agree to a deal that represents value for money, suggesting a potential impasse.
“We’re ready to be part of this scheme but we’re not ready to be willing at any price,” Shapps said. He affirmed the UK’s commitment to European security, stating the nation will “play our part…in or out of Safe.”
The UK’s response to the Russian activity extends beyond the naval incident, with ongoing vigilance regarding sabotage threats across Europe.
