Russian Outrage
Russia once again pursues a rather disturbing military strategy. Russians are determined to claim their military dominance as in past eight months Russian forces have been found themselves in almost 40 dangerous encounters with Civilian Aircrafts and the NATO.
Following occupation of Crimea earlier in March this year, such mind games from the Russians President Valdamir Putin has created a risk of unrest in the continent and the current situation leaves Europe at verge of military escalation.
Russia has also been held responsible for gunning down a Malaysian plane over Ukraine, and allegation which Putin has clearly denied. They have been also charged of intentionally threatening national airspace, mid air collisions, emergency scrambles and close encounters including bombings along the arctic and US coast.
Russian “Bear”, military aircraft, was involved in three high risk incidents, including a faceoff and a barely avoided crash with the Scandinavian Airline flight taking off from Copenhagen. Travelling to Rome, Boeing 737 saw itself in range of 90 meters of a Russian scout aircraft which was not transmitting its position. Another event which made it to the news saw Russians stimulating cruise missile strike against the US, near Canada in Labrador Sea.
The Royal Air Force, RAF, saw its share of involvement as the bear hovered near the UK’s air space, twice, last week. Similarly Turkey, Sweden, Finland, Portugal, Germany and russia ukraine news Denmark had intercepted Russian jets in the same period. Finland’s President considers this as an outrageous intent of showing military muscles by Russia, for him it is a “new kind of cold war” which might soon erupt.
RAF jets have also been involved in other encounters, for instance, dealing with a Russian cargo plane which was being problematic for air traffic controlling authorities. Audio clip of the incident that made it to twitter goes on as follows, “I am instructed by Her Majesty’s Government of the United Kingdom to warn you that if you do not respond immediately to my orders, you will be shot down”. This is a clear indicator of the adversity of the matter.
Sweden has expressed its ability and willingness to use force against force if deemed necessary. The European Leadership Network said: “Even though direct military confrontation has been avoided so far, the mix of more aggressive Russian posturing and the readiness of Western forces to show resolve increases the risk of unintended escalation and the danger of losing control over events.”
Russian Government has made a point is stating their rage for military superiority. The ELN and NATO have urged President Putin to re-assess his foreign relation policy and come at diplomatic terms with the offended.