Russia claims MiGs turned U.S. bombers away from northern border

Reuters reported today that Russia has claimed a pair of U.S. B-52H long-range bombers were turned away from the Russian border by MiG-29 and MiG-31 fighter jets. The incident occurred over the Barents Sea, which borders Russia to the north of the Scandinavian Peninsula.

According to the Reuters report, the Russian Ministry of Defense stated, “As the Russian fighters approached, the American strategic bombers adjusted their flight course, and subsequently turned away from the state border of the Russian Federation.” Russia asserted that this action was taken legally and in compliance with international rules governing airspace use over neutral waters.

Such aerial encounters have been previously reported by Russia amidst ongoing tensions over the war in Ukraine. Russian aircraft have confronted military planes from various NATO-aligned countries.