Russia has said one of its fighter jets intercepted two nuclear-capable American strategic bombers near the country’s border, sending tensions with NATO soaring on Sunday.
In a post on Telegram, the Russian Defence Ministry said: „Russian means of airspace control over the Barents Sea detected a group air target approaching the state border of the Russian Federation.
„To identify an air target and prevent violation of the state border of the Russian Federation, a MiG-31 fighter from the air defence forces on duty was scrambled into the air.
„The Russian fighter crew identified the aerial target as a pair of US Air Force B-1B strategic bombers. As the Russian fighter approached, the American strategic bombers adjusted their flight course, moving away and then turning around from the state border of the Russian Federation.“
According to official statements, the US bombers approached Russian airspace but veered away before breaching territorial boundaries.
READ MORE: NATO nation Poland scrambles fighter jets after Russian missile enters airspace
This comes as Russian President Vladimir Putin launched 57 missiles and drones targeting Ukraine for the third consecutive night.
These latest strikes on Kyiv are perceived as retaliation following baseless allegations by Russian officials accusing Ukraine of orchestrating the recent terror attack in Moscow.
Despite an ISIS splinter cell claiming responsibility for the concert hall massacre, Putin has attempted to deflect blame onto Kyiv.
Ukraine vehemently denied any involvement in the tragedy, dismissing the accusations as „absurd“. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned Putin’s actions, labeling him a „b*****d“ for exploiting the national tragedy in Moscow to scapegoat Ukraine.