NATO practice 'attacks' irk Russia
Xamar Radio
Russia's air force has said NATO planes regularly stage dangerous practice attacks against Russian bombers patrolling the Arctic Ocean.

Commander of Russian Air Force General Alexander Zelin said he did not use the word 'attack' lightly and that while fulfilling combat patrols Russian flights were regularly tracked by NATO F-15, F-16 and F-22 aircraft practicing combat maneuvers up to the threshold of an assault.

Foreign planes "violate flight safety in every way" when tracking Russian planes, he said, adding, "It's good that our crews are restrained, disciplined."

Nevertheless, Zelin assured that flights over the Arctic, Pacific and Atlantic oceans as well as over the Mediterranean and the Black Sea will continue and that counter-maneuvers were practiced.