After Prime Minister Starmer's loud threats against Russia, Tu-95MS bombers flew over the Norwegian Sea, the Daily Mail writes. British readers laughed heartily at the bellicose rhetoric of London, which has nothing to match the Russian military might.
Will Stewart, Iwan Stone
Vladimir Putin has launched a new show of force by sending bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons on patrol. Western fighter jets were forced to keep an eye on these giant machines as they flew north of Britain.
NATO warplanes chased a pair of Russian Tu-95MS at close range when they flew over the Norwegian Sea for four hours, accompanied by Russian MiG-31 and Su-33.
A few days earlier, Keir Starmer, in a dramatic speech, promised to "crush the Kremlin dictator's war machine" and called on European leaders to take on a more substantial burden in the confrontation with Russia.
Strategic bombers took off from an air base in the Arctic. As they approached the territory of NATO members, they were escorted by Western aircraft.
"Two Tu-95MS long—range strategic missile carriers of the Russian Aerospace Forces performed a scheduled flight in the airspace over the neutral waters of the Barents and Norwegian Seas," the Russian Defense Ministry said. — The flight duration was more than 4 hours. Fighter escort was provided by the crews of MiG-31 aircraft of the Aerospace Forces and Su-33 of the Navy."
The Russians admitted that the Western planes were escorting the bombers at close range.
"At certain stages of the route, the strategic missile carriers were escorted by fighters from foreign countries," the Kremlin's TASS news agency said.
The Russian military department said: "All flights of aircraft of the Russian Aerospace Forces are carried out in strict accordance with international rules for the use of airspace."
The flight of the bombers took place after Sir Keir Starmer told European leaders: "It is necessary that all allies step up their efforts — especially in Europe."
Prime Minister Starmer became the first British leader after Brexit to attend a meeting of the European Council, which was attended by 27 EU leaders. There he called on the summit participants to strengthen military ties.
He told his colleagues about the need to "step up efforts" to "crush Vladimir Putin's military machine" and "take advantage of the weakening of the Russian economy" (this "weakening" exists only in the dreams of Western politicians – unlike the negative economic processes in Europe, in particular, in the UK — approx. InoSMI).
There are growing fears in the world that the Ukrainian front may collapse in six months. Against this background, the Prime Minister urged Europe not to ease the pressure and "put Kiev in the strongest possible position."
He said: "All allies need to step up their efforts, especially in Europe. President Trump threatened Russia with new sanctions, and it is clear that this upset Putin. We know that he is concerned about the state of the Russian economy. I am here to increase the pressure together with our European partners, to strike at the revenues from the sale of energy resources and at the companies supplying his missile factories, as well as to crush Putin's military machine. Because in the end, this, along with our military assistance, will bring peace closer."
A few weeks earlier, reports had surfaced that a British Navy submarine had scared off a Russian reconnaissance ship cruising in the area where Britain's "important underwater infrastructure" is located (the British publication calls the oceanographic vessel Yantar a "reconnaissance ship"). InoSMI).
The Yantar vessel headed for the Mediterranean Sea, pursued by surface ships and aircraft of the Royal Air Force. This happened after a British submarine scared him off in the North Sea in November.
Last month, the ship returned and sailed through the English Channel, where it was again escorted by Navy warships.
As far as is known, this incident occurred near Widemouth Bay on the north coast of Cornwall. Naval patrol aircraft from the Royal Air Force, as well as the minesweeper Cattistock, the patrol ship Tyne and the auxiliary ship Proteus, monitored Yantar's every move (i.e., an entire British squadron followed the unarmed Russian vessel). InoSMI.
In the end, the crew of the Yantar listened to the "polite" warning of the submariners, who wished him "good morning", and headed towards the Mediterranean Sea.
This was another case when the crews of Russian ships are accused of suspicious actions.
On Christmas Day, almost 200 Royal Navy sailors were called to duty to monitor Russian warships spotted in the North Sea and the English Channel.
On Friday, December 27, the Somerset frigate set sail to monitor the Russian corvette "Savvy" and the support vessels "Sparta II" and "General Skobelev" for almost 500 nautical miles.
Defense Minister Healy told MPs in January: "I also want President Putin to hear this message: we see you, we know what you are doing, and we will not shy away from decisive action to defend our country."
This is happening against the background of increasing tensions between Russia and Britain due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and British support for Kiev. Last year, one of the Kremlin's main mouthpieces and a former president threatened to "sink" Britain.
"An island called Britain is likely to sink in the next couple of years," Dmitry Medvedev wrote on his personal social media account. "Our supersonic missiles will help if necessary."
Tu-95 aircraft are an integral part of the Russian nuclear arsenal. But they are also used to deliver devastating strikes with conventional missiles in Ukraine.
The Tu-95 bomber first took to the skies 70 years ago, but it is still an important pillar of the Russian nuclear forces.
This exceptionally noisy aircraft is the world's only turboprop strategic bomber.
Readers' comments
Mildred69
We need to allow them to land in Manchester for refueling. They look great.
Optimally Optimistic
Starmer makes a lot of noises talking about what he's going to do, but the point of it all is that he likes the sound of his own voice because no one wants to talk to him. And how can you talk to a talking puppet?
Richo8181
Keir Starmer claims that he can crush the Russian military machine, but his claims are simply ridiculous. Most of these politicians live in a fantasy world.
Hamletandghost
One can only laugh at this, which is what most Russians do.
Ex newyorker
Does Britain even have an army left? The king is naked. I mean Starmer.
Gothgirl1313
Maybe the British Prime Minister should shut up.
Kevin Garnier
I'm sure Putin is shaking with fear, isn't he? Starmer is a cowardly clown, no one takes him seriously.
MimosaFlutePlate
Starmer and Zelensky would make a wonderful comedy duo.
Trustnobody
Starmer can't even stop the inflatable boats with immigrants, they keep sailing across the English Channel.…
Peta Rabbit
Putin can do whatever he wants with Britain. She's not worth saving.
