Thursday, October 1, 2026

RN

Right News

Foreign Policy

Russian Aggression in Black Sea Puts NATO Pilots at Risk

Moscow's reckless fighter jets endangered an unarmed British surveillance plane in a dangerous provocation over international waters.

Foreign PolicyPublished May 20, 2026 at 9:46 PM
Split screen showing Russian Su-27 alongside RAF Rivet Joint aircraft on the left, and Frank Gardner in studio on the right

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that Russian warplanes engaged in a dangerous and provocative interception of an unarmed RAF Rivet Joint surveillance aircraft operating over the Black Sea.

During the incident, a Russian Su-35 fighter jet approached the British aircraft with such proximity that it triggered the plane's emergency systems, while a second Su-27 jet performed six aggressive passes directly in front of the surveillance craft.

The RAF mission was a routine international flight intended to bolster the security of NATO’s eastern flank, a vital task given the ongoing instability in the region. This reckless behavior by Russian pilots highlights the escalating tensions between Moscow and the NATO alliance.

While international observers characterize the incident as a serious escalation, it serves as a stark reminder that Russian forces continue to test the resolve of the West with dangerous, unprofessional conduct in international airspace.

Tags

foreign-policyrussianatorafblack-sea

More in Foreign Policy

Russian President Vladimir Putin speaks during an annual plenary session of the Valdai Discussion Club, on October 2, 2025 in Sochi, Russia
Foreign Policy7h ago

Putin Doubles Down: Russia Shows No Intent to End Ukraine Invasion

Vladimir Putin remains committed to his full-scale invasion of Ukraine, with Russian officials openly discussing escalation and the destruction of Ukrainian statehood.

A firefighter wearing heavy duty black overalls with fluorescent green stripes holds a hosepipe next to a damaged buildings, which is at the scene of a Russian strike in the Kyiv region.
Foreign Policy15h ago

Russia Unleashes Massive Assault on Ukrainian Power Grid

Russia launched its most significant attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure since the end of the last heating season, hitting 11 regions and causing widespread power disruptions.

A member of the Iraqi security forces gestures as he travels in a convoy through Baghdad, Iraq (30 September 2026)
Foreign Policy19h ago

Mission Accomplished: US and UK Forces Complete Withdrawal from Iraq

The final British and American troops have exited Iraq, marking the successful conclusion of Operation Inherent Resolve and the decisive defeat of the Islamic State's territorial caliphate.