Russian jets intercept US bombers near border, avoiding provocation

The Russian Defence Ministry reported that two US Air Force B-1B bombers neared the Russian border in the Barents Sea.

A Russian MiG-31 fighter jet was deployed, prompting the bombers to alter their course before breaching Russian airspace, as confirmed by Kommersant citing the Russian Defence Ministry's press service.

This incident echoes a similar event reported on March 24, where American B-1B bombers approached the Russian border in the same region. On both occasions, the presence of the Russian fighter jet deterred the bombers from crossing into Russian territory.

The US Air Force reassured that the interaction between American and Russian aircraft remained safe. They clarified that the B-1B bombers were conducting routine deployments to Europe, with their flight originating from Texas en route to a US airbase in Spain, as per Fox News.