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Russian bombers were escorted by British fighter jets, not intercepted — Defense Ministry

The aircraft conducted scheduled flights near Britain and did not violate the country’s airspace

MOSCOW, April 14. /TASS/. Russian aircraft conducted scheduled flights near Britain and did not violate the country’s airspace, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Maj. Gen. Igor Konashenkov said Tuesday.

"Our aircraft acted totally in the framework of international regulations without violating anything. They call it interception and we call it escort. It’s normal world practice. Our planes did not violate any rules. They were just joined by British aircraft, which escorted them and flew back," Konashenkov told the Russkaya Sluzhba Novostei radio.

Earlier, British media reported that UK fighters took off to intercept two Russian bombers, which approached British airspace. The area was not specified.

Last year, Russian strategic bombers made over 50 flights over the World Ocean. Russia’s Air Force says all flights are conducted in strict compliance with international airspace use rules. Russian planes are often escorted by fighters of NATO countries and their partners. Earlier, the Pentagon said Russian Air Force planes fly in line with international norms.