As of: March 11, 2024, 4:58 a.m
By: Richard Strobl
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France's defense minister denounced Russia's aggressive behavior towards patrol flights.
(Symbolic image) © IMAGO/Mc3 Simon Pike/US Navy
Russia has apparently threatened to shoot down NATO aircraft over the Black Sea.
France's defense minister sees a more aggressive stance.
Paris - Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, encounters between Russian units and NATO forces have repeatedly caused concern.
France's Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu has now denounced another such explosive incident.
He sees a general change in Russia's attitude - towards a much more aggressive demeanor.
“There are attempts by the Russians to take control of a number of our patrols,”
said French Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu to the TV channel RTL.
French reconnaissance aircraft over the Black Sea were affected.
Russia threatens NATO jets: France minister reports sensitive incidents
“A month ago, a Russian air surveillance system threatened to shoot down French aircraft while we were patrolling international airspace,” Lecornu told the broadcaster on Thursday.
“You have Russian operators threatening French pilots to shoot down their plane.”
France's air and sea patrols, which are intended to ensure freedom of movement at sea, were affected.
This is not an isolated case.
The minister also reports about a Russian warship that was anchored in the Bay of the Seine.
It was in international waters, but “as if it wanted to come and intimidate France”.
Russia changes behavior: “Plays with the thresholds of aggressiveness”
Russia's current behavior is no longer the same as it was two years ago, Lecornu assessed the current situation.
“We have the return of a particularly aggressive Russian posture.
“Russia is playing with the thresholds of aggressiveness,” the minister said.
“This is because Russia is having problems on the battlefield in Ukraine.
You have Russian takeover attempts.”
To protect NATO's eastern flank, France has deployed soldiers and aircraft to Romania as part of an international coalition.
Fighter jets and special AWACS radar aircraft are used from there to scout the south of Ukraine, the Black Sea and Russian-occupied Crimea.
(rist/afp)