Two Russian nuclear bombers have been intercepted in NATO airspace as Vladimir Putin continues to probe the alliance’s defences. Two Tupolev-95MS nuclear missile carriers, known as “Bear” bombers, were intercepted over neutral waters of the Barents and Norwegian Seas.
Footage of the confrontation shows NATO planes tasked with intercepting the planes in a mission that lasted “more than seven hours”. The bombers were escorted by Sukhoi Su-30SM fighter jets and carried out aerial refuelling during the flight. The Russian Ministry of Defence said: “Strategic Tu-95MS missile carriers of the Russian Aerospace Forces’ long-range aviation conducted a scheduled flight in the airspace over the neutral waters of the Barents and Norwegian Seas.”
It comes as Deputy Chairman of the Security Council and former Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev warned that the world is on course for nuclear war.
He said: “Nuclear apocalypse is genuinely possible. Those who do not recognize this are fantasists or fools. We do not want it to happen. However, such a scenario must not be ignored. We must be prepared for it. For this purpose, our country has nuclear strategic forces. These forces are supported and prepared.”
“I am often criticized for using harsh rhetoric and speaking of nuclear apocalypse. But unfortunately, it is genuinely possible. We would very much not want this,” he added.
The Putin acolyte also directed his venom towards western leaders, warning them that war was “inevitable.”
He said: “Europe and the European Union are being run by idiots. They are destroying what was built over the years since the EU’s transformation from a coal and steel union to a modern union.
“These are narrow-minded people who are extremely unconstructive and talk about war with Russia.”
He said Russia’s conflict with the West was “existential in character” and that “the conflict with Europe will not disappear within the lifetime of the current generation.”
“If every day it is said that a war with Russia is inevitable, the war will start. There can be enough grounds and reasons for it. That is why politicians need to calm down and engage in constructive dialogue,” Medvedev added.
He said Russia had no aggressive plans toward Europe and denied intending to attack the continent, while also noting “local conflicts often precede, unfortunately, global conflicts.”
