America's top diplomat condemned a close encounter between Russian fighter jets and a U.S. Navy destroyer, saying his nation's military could have opened fire under the rules of engagement.
Secretary of State John Kerry described Russia's action as "reckless and provocative."
Initial reports indicate two encounters in the Baltic Sea between the Navy missile destroyer USS Donald Cook and two Russian jets. In one of the incidents Tuesday night in international waters, a Russian jet flew within 75 feet of the ship.
"It's unprofessional and under the rules of engagement that could have been a shot down, so people need to understand that this is serious business and the United States is not going to be intimidated in high seas," he told CNN en Español.
"We respect our freedom of navigation ... and we are communicating to the Russians how dangerous this is."
Russia has defended its actions. Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov told state media news agency Tass, that Russia acted "in accordance with international rules" when its unarmed fighter jets buzzed the USS Donald Cook in the Baltic Sea.
Close encounters increasing
Close encounters between Russian military aircraft and U.S. warships have become increasingly common in recent months. In October, U.S. Navy jets intercepted two Russian aircraft flying near the aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan in the Pacific Ocean.
In June, a Russian jet flew within 500 meters (1,640 feet) of a U.S. guided-missile destroyer sailing in the Black Sea near Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine.
The Russian aerial maneuvers come as tensions rise on NATO's eastern flank.
In February, the U.S. Department of Defense announced it was spending $3.4 billion for the European Reassurance Initiative in an effort to deter Russian aggression against NATO allies.
In recent weeks, the United States has deployed additional military assets throughout Europe as part of Operation Atlantic Resolve.
No comments:
Post a Comment