an interception between Russian, German and French fighters causes renewed tension

On the side of NATO, there has not yet been any official reaction. But it is indicated behind the scenes that it is unimaginable to think that a plane of the military alliance could have wanted to violate the airspace of Russia. On the side of the French General Staff, it is confirmed that a Russian fighter interacted well with a French patrol plane, Monday, May 15, in international airspace, off the Baltic States. But that in no case this French plane had the intention of violating the border of Russia.

Bullying

It was acting as part of a NATO exercise and therefore continued on its way according to the planned program before returning to its base. Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, this type of incident has multiplied. There is a lot of intimidation in these approaches. It’s a way of showing that we are watching each other, that we are observing each other, that we are defending our territory. And then, usually, everyone goes home. But last March, Russian fighters intercepted an American drone, which ended up crashing. Each time there is this type of incident, tension rises in the region, explains France Televisions journalist Julien Gasparutto, live from Brussels (Belgium).