American defense officials called the recent appearance of Russian bombers off the coast of Alaska "extraordinary", which in itself testifies to the fact that both countries are on the verge between the conventional military situation and increasing provocation.
On Monday, the U.S. F-22 fighter jets intercepted two Russian bombers in international airspace 100 miles off the island of Kodiak, Alaska. Us military official called the interaction a "safe and professional". Less than 24 hours American surveillance plane noticed two Russian bombers that were spotted in the same area, this time in the 41 mile from Alaska.
Russian planes in any case, did not enter the airspace of the United States, and, according to U.S. defense agencies, the actions of the Russian there is nothing unusual or confrontational. The U.S. has done similar flights on the China coast, and the coast of Russia.
Moscow, for its part, stated that it "conducts regular patrols over neutral waters of Arctic, Atlantic, Black sea and Pacific ocean." "All these missions are carried out in strict accordance with international standards and in relation to national borders," - reads the statement of the Russian Ministry of defense.
However, the meeting this week will play a big role in attempts by Russian President Vladimir Putin "to prove that Russia is back in the game", according to Howard Stoffer, a former state Department official. "When the Russians "buzz" on American courts, it's unprofessional action, because it violates the operation and dangerous for all parties involved".
Growing tensions between the US and Russia are far from optimistic pre-election rhetoric of President Donald trump's hopes for cooperation. As said by trump earlier this month, relations between the former adversaries of the cold war "at the lowest level".
sections: Politics, World News, Accidents |
Russian News
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