http://www.cnn.com/2016/04/14/europe/russia-defends-donald-cook-overflight/index.html
Kerry: Navy destroyer could have 'shot down' Russian fighter jets
(CNN) America's top diplomat condemned a close encounter between Russian fighter jets and a U.S. Navy destroyer, saying his nation's military could have opened fire under the rules of engagement.
Secretary of State John Kerry described Russia's action as "reckless and provocative."
Initial reports indicate two encounters in the Baltic Sea between the Navy missile destroyer USS Donald Cook and two Russian jets. In one of the incidents Tuesday night in international waters, a Russian jet flew within 75 feet of the ship.
"It's unprofessional and under the rules of engagement that could have been a shot down, so people need to understand that this is serious business and the United States is not going to be intimidated in high seas," he told CNN en Español.
"We respect our freedom of navigation ... and we are communicating to the Russians how dangerous this is."
Russia has defended its actions. Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov told state media news agency Tass, that Russia acted "in accordance with international rules" when its unarmed fighter jets buzzed the USS Donald Cook in the Baltic Sea.
'Aggressive maneuvers'
When the Russian aircraft was within close proximity of the ship, it showed "multiple, aggressive flight maneuvers," according to the U.S. European Command.
"We have deep concerns about the unsafe and unprofessional Russian flight maneuvers," the statement said.
The ship, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, had a Polish helicopter on board as part of routine training, according to a U.S. official. This led to speculation Russia was "sending a message to Poland."
A U.S. official described the Russian maneuver as "strafing runs" without firing any weapons.
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Video in link
Kerry: Navy destroyer could have 'shot down' Russian fighter jets
(CNN) America's top diplomat condemned a close encounter between Russian fighter jets and a U.S. Navy destroyer, saying his nation's military could have opened fire under the rules of engagement.
Secretary of State John Kerry described Russia's action as "reckless and provocative."
Initial reports indicate two encounters in the Baltic Sea between the Navy missile destroyer USS Donald Cook and two Russian jets. In one of the incidents Tuesday night in international waters, a Russian jet flew within 75 feet of the ship.
"It's unprofessional and under the rules of engagement that could have been a shot down, so people need to understand that this is serious business and the United States is not going to be intimidated in high seas," he told CNN en Español.
"We respect our freedom of navigation ... and we are communicating to the Russians how dangerous this is."
Russia has defended its actions. Defense Ministry spokesman Igor Konashenkov told state media news agency Tass, that Russia acted "in accordance with international rules" when its unarmed fighter jets buzzed the USS Donald Cook in the Baltic Sea.
'Aggressive maneuvers'
When the Russian aircraft was within close proximity of the ship, it showed "multiple, aggressive flight maneuvers," according to the U.S. European Command.
"We have deep concerns about the unsafe and unprofessional Russian flight maneuvers," the statement said.
The ship, an Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer, had a Polish helicopter on board as part of routine training, according to a U.S. official. This led to speculation Russia was "sending a message to Poland."
A U.S. official described the Russian maneuver as "strafing runs" without firing any weapons.
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Video in link
