Putin accuses US of provoking tensions over Russian jet flights

Addressing the main naval parade, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused the United States of escalating tensions due to the flights of Russian strategic aircraft.

"Our attention today is called to the growing fomenting of tensions by Washington in connection with flights of Russian strategic aviation," Caliber.Az reports via foreign media, citing President Putin.

He pointed out that since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russian strategic missile-carrying aircraft had not performed air patrols far from their borders.

"Russia believed at that time that there was no need for that anymore: the world changed, the 'cold war' passed," he explained.

However, Putin noted that the United States did not reciprocate this gesture of goodwill and continued its patrols near Russian borders.

"Therefore, we resumed such flights since 2007. This became a tit-for-tat measure for the growing activity of US strategic and reconnaissance aviation in regions of the globe sensitive for Russia," he emphasized.

The Russian President also highlighted the crucial role of the Russian Navy in maintaining the country's sovereignty and independence over the centuries, as well as its significant contributions to the development of many sectors.

Background

The Main Naval Parade is an annual event celebrating the achievements and capabilities of the Russian Navy. The resurgence of Russian strategic aviation patrols in 2007 marked a significant shift in military posture, reflecting rising tensions between Russia and the United States. These developments come amidst broader geopolitical rivalries and disputes over military presence and activities in various regions around the world.