The Russian Defense Minister on Tuesday (November 23) accused U.S. bombers of conducting nuclear strikes on Russia from two different directions earlier this month and complained that the planes were within 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) of the Russian border.
However, the Pentagon stated that its exercise was publicly announced at the time and complied with international agreements.
Moscow’s allegations were made at a time of high tension with Washington over Ukraine, and US officials expressed concern that Russia might launch an attack on its southern neighbors — a statement that the Kremlin believes is wrong.
Moscow, in turn, accused the United States, NATO, and Ukraine of provocative and irresponsible behavior, pointing out that the United States provided weapons to Ukraine, Ukraine used Turkish drones to attack Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine, and NATO conducted military exercises near its borders.
Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu stated that Moscow has noticed a significant increase in the activities of US strategic bombers. He said that he has already conducted 30 flights close to Russia this month. He said that this is 2.5 times the same period last year.
Shoigu particularly complained that what he was talking about was the simulated nuclear strike by the United States against Russia earlier this month.
The Department of Defense statement quoted Shoigu as saying: “The Secretary of Defense emphasized that during the US military exercise’Global Thunder’, 10 US strategic bombers rehearsed the launch of nuclear weapons from the west and east to Russia.”
“The minimum distance to our state border is 20 kilometers.”
Shoigu said that the Russian air defense forces discovered and tracked the US strategic bombers and took unspecified measures to avoid any incidents.
The Pentagon fought back.
“These tasks were publicly announced at the time and were closely planned with (Strategic Command), (European Command), allies and partners to ensure maximum training and integration opportunities, and compliance with all national and international requirements and agreements, “The lieutenant said Colonel Anton Semelrose, spokesman for the Pentagon.
Senior Russian and American military officers, Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milli talked by telephone on Tuesday, but neither party disclosed the content of the conversation.
Global Thunder allowed the US nuclear-capable B-52 bombers to pass their pace this year. It is the annual nuclear and command exercise of the US Strategic Command, which aims to test and demonstrate the readiness of US nuclear capabilities.
President Vladimir Putin briefly mentioned this apparent incident last week, complaining that Western strategic bombers were carrying “very serious weapons” near Russia. He said that the West is accepting Moscow’s warning not to cross its “red line” too lightly.
Shoigu made the above comments in a video conference with Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe. He said that US bombers flying close to Russia’s eastern border also pose a threat to China.
“Under this background, Russia-China coordination is becoming a stabilizing factor in world affairs,” Shoigu said.
The Russian Defense Ministry stated that at the meeting, Russia and China agreed to strengthen cooperation between the two militaries in strategic military exercises and joint patrols.
