Recently, tensions between Russia and the United States have escalated as Russia claims to have intercepted US bombers nearing its Arctic border. This incident highlights the ongoing geopolitical rivalry between the two countries, particularly in the Arctic region where both nations are vying for control and influence.
The Arctic has become a strategic area of interest for both Russia and the United States due to its abundance of natural resources and potential for new shipping routes. As climate change continues to melt polar ice caps, access to these resources becomes increasingly important, leading to competition over territorial claims and military presence in the region.
After having detected an air target approaching the Russian borders, the military scrambled MiG-29 and MiG-31 fighter jets, the ministry said in a statement. The MiGs identified the planes as two U.S. В-52Н strategic bombers.
“As the Russian fighter jets approached, the American strategic bombers adjusted their flight course... and subsequently turned away from the state border of the Russian Federation,” the ministry said.
The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment outside of regular hours.
Russia has reported similar incidents before when its planes have confronted military aircraft from NATO countries flying close to its border at a time of acute tension over the war in Ukraine.
Also on Sunday, Russian strikes have left at least five people injured in Ukraine.
The two countries have exchanged drone, missile and shelling attacks.
Analysts said Ukrainian forces were now too weak to mount a counter-offensive this year, but Russian forces were too exhausted to break through.
Last month, Moscow warned of a "direct confrontation" between Russia and NATO, and Russia's defense minister ordered officials to prepare a "response" to U.S. drone flights over the Black Sea, in an apparent warning it may take forceful action to ward off the American reconnaissance aircraft.
On Sunday, the UK Ministry of Defence said Russia was now relying increasingly heavily on under-trained and under-equipped volunteers, highlighting its “desperation and resource strain”.
Overnight, Russia launched its fifth drone attack on Kyiv in two weeks, part of a combined missile and drone attack across the country.
No casualties were reported, although the Sumy regional administration, in north-east Ukraine, said a Russian missile had hit unspecified “critical infrastructure”.
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