WW3 alert as Russian jets fly over NATO navy in major provocation | World | News
Russian military jets flew low over a German frigate twice during NATO naval exercises in the Baltic Sea last week, in yet another reckless and provocative act. The vessel “Hamburg” was taking part in the Nato exercise Neptune Strike when the incident happened.
German military sources told Der Spiegel magazine that Russian reconnaissance aircraft flew over the frigate at a low altitude of less than 100 metres on Friday and Saturday. The Russian pilots did not respond to radio messages sent to them by the ship’s command. The German navy described the manoeuvres as “unfriendly and provocative”, although they denied the ship had been in any danger.
Germany’s Defence Minister criticised Russia for the move and told MPs during a parliamentary budget debate that Vladimir Putin was trying to test NATO’s resolve.
“The penetration of Russian drones and combat aircraft deep into Polish and Estonian airspace, as well as the overflight of a German frigate in the Baltic Sea within a few days, also make it clear that Russia is literally testing its limits with increasing frequency and intensity, even with NATO states,” Boris Pistorius said.
He added: “Putin wants to provoke us, Putin wants to provoke the NATO member states, and he wants to identify, expose, and exploit perceived weaknesses in the NATO alliance.”
The Hamburg is continuing its naval drills and is believed to be sailing between Estonia and Finland.
This was not the only incident involving Russian jets in the Baltic Sea last week. On Friday, Kremlin fighter planes also flew over a Polish oil platform in another apparent provocation.
Mr Pistorious insisted that Putin would not succeed in his goals, saying the military alliance “responded clearly and decisively to the Russian provocations, but at the same time with the necessary prudence, which is particularly important these days.”
Earlier in September, nineteen Russian drones violated Polish airspace, provoking a furious response from the EU and Nato states.
On Tuesday, the country’s Foreign Minister launched a blistering attack on Putin’s Russia at the UN Security Council meeting.
Radosław Sikorski said: “To the representatives of Russia, I have this to say: we know you don’t care for the international law and you’re incapable of living in peace with your neighbours.
“Your insane nationalism contains a lust for domination that will not cease until you realise that the age of empires is over, and that your empire will not be rebuilt.
“Every drone strike by the heroes of the Armed Forces of Ukraine – may God bless them – brings this day closer.
“Your ‘three-day Special Military Operation’ can’t even conquer Donbas for ten years now. But the potential for criminal, catastrophic Russian mistakes is still there.”
