Putin fury: Russian fighter jet intercepts US aircraft as Moscow eyes NATO drills
A RUSSIAN fighter jet intercepted a US aircraft amid growing tensions between Moscow and Washington.
Russia: US 'will respond to any recklessness' says Blinken
The MiG-31 fighter escorted the US Air Force RC-135 strategic reconnaissance aircraft over the Chukchi Sea, in the eastern border of Russia. The Chukchi Sea is a body of water between the Arctic Ocean and the Bering Strait which separates Alaska from Russia.
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Russia's National Defense Control Center said in a statement the jet was scrambled to "identify the air target and prevent violation of the border of the Russian Federation".
A statement to the Russian new agency read: "The flight of the Russian fighter was carried out in strict accordance with international rules for the use of airspace."
Over recent weeks, Moscow has intercepted a number of US aircraft.
Last month, Russia's Defense Ministry released footage of a MiG-31 jet accompanying an RC-135 aircraft over the coast of Kamchatka in the far east of Russia.
Days earlier, a Russian MiG-31 fighter plane escorted the same kind of US reconnaissance aircraft over the Pacific Ocean.
Moscow has previously warned the increased reconnaissance activities near Russia posed a risk of rising tensions between the Kremlin and Washington amid concerns over a growing conflict in Ukraine.
Tensions between Moscow and Ukraine have escalated following a build-up of Russian troops along the border and clashes in eastern Ukraine between the army and pro-Russian separatists.
Earlier today, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for Russia to cease all "reckless and aggressive actions" towards Ukraine.
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"We are aware that Russia has withdrawn some forces from the border... but we also see that significant forces remain there [and] significant equipment remains there," Mr Blinken said.
According to reports, British warships will sail for the Black Sea last month in a bid to show solidarity with Ukraine and Britain's NATO allies.
The Sunday Times reported one Type 45 destroyer armed with anti-aircraft missiles and an anti-submarine Type 23 frigate will leave the Royal Navy's carrier task group.
RAF F-35B Lightning stealth jets and Merlin submarine-hunting helicopters will also stand ready on HMS Queen Elizabeth.
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