The Russian Security Council has warned that alleged American espionage activities on Russia's borders is increasing the risk of an “emergency situation.”
The statement comes after the Russian air force scrambled jets to intercept an American plane not responding to air traffic control while flying over the Sea of Japan on May 23.
Two civilian planes were diverted as air traffic controllers deemed the American RC-135 to be flying too close to them, TASS reported.
Deputy Secretary of the Security Council Yevgeny Lukyanov said that the American flyover was not a cause for alarm, but that the “risk of an emergency situation is growing.”
“The incident is unpleasant, but not surprising,” Lukyanov said. “All of us understand that some things have to be done, including reconnaissance by provocation. That it is dangerous goes without saying.”
The Russian Defense Ministry branded the American plane's movement as "unsafe and unprofessional." The defense attache at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow rejected the accusations, TASS reported.
Lukyanov also praised the “high professionalism” of the Russian pilots who intercepted the plane.
“When they say our pilots fly in an unsafe manner, they clearly haven't seen the distances our planes fly in close formation over Red Square at the Victory Day Parade. We perhaps have different safety standards,” said Lukyanov.
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