Russian official followed in air by NATO as tensions continue - from TRUNEWS

The Russian Defense Minister was trailed by NATO on his way to Kaliningrad.

Sputnik has reported the Su-27 fighter jet followed Sergei Shoigu over neutral waters in the Baltic Sea. The NATO jets stayed about a mile behind.

Shoigu was traveling to the area to take part in an inspection of Chkalovsk Military Airfield, which is being rebuilt. Combat training is being held there, according to TASS.

Relations between Russia and NATO have been strained since the annexation of Crimea, and due to the conflict in Ukraine, which began in 2014. The U.S., European Union and NATO members accused Russia of inciting violence.

Russia has denied the accusations, claiming NATO is being provocative by putting military equipment on the Russian border.

A top American general and head of U.S. forces in Europe and NATO’s commander spoke out Saturday about sending U-2 spy planes to gather information on Russia.

 

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg holds a news conference during a meeting of the NATO foreign affairs ministers at the Alliance headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, December 1, 2015. REUTERS/Yves Herman

 

General Philip Breedlove made the call, claiming Russia poses a “long-term existential threat” to the U.S.

The U-2 can spot landmines from 13 miles high and gather communications data, according to The Independent.  It could be used to spot a quick movement of Russian forces.  But patrolling Europe could cause increased tensions with the Russians.

The plane was used during the Cold War.  In the 1980’s there were 200,000 U.S. troops in Europe, now that number is down to 33,000, which is another argument for the use of the U-2’s.

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