Bulgaria has claimed that there is an increase in violations of its airspace by Russian military and commercial aircraft.
The defense ministry have called the called the alleged violations ‘provocative’ towards Bulgaria and its air force and demand an explanation from Russia.
Moscow has denied any flight violations.
BYPASS THE CENSORS
Sign up to get unfiltered news delivered straight to your inbox.
You can unsubscribe any time. By subscribing you agree to our Terms of Use
Addressing the accusation Russian Defense Ministry Spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov said that the planes from the Russian Aerospace Forces had been making planned regular flights over the Black Sea with their routes “in strict compliance” with international rules when it comes to using an airspace over neutral waters.
Press TV reports:
According to Defense Minister Nikolay Nenchev, Russian aircraft had entered “Bulgaria’s area of responsibility” in NATO airspace four times in the past month.
“It is very worrying, so we take preventive measures,” scrambling Bulgarian fighter jets, he told Nova TV channel on Sunday.
During their violations, Nenchev said, Russian planes had turned off their communications devices that make it easier for an airplane to be located.
Bulgaria, he said, has demanded explanation from Russia over the alleged violations.
The Balkan country, once a staunch ally of Moscow, has inched closer to the Western bloc, becoming a NATO member in 2004.
Bulgaria has expressed readiness to take part in a multinational NATO land brigade based in Romania.
However, it would not join a proposed NATO fleet meant to counter Russian forces in the Black Sea as it did not want a war there, Bulgarian Prime Minister Boiko Borisov said last month.
The East European country is almost entirely dependent on Russian energy supplies, and many Bulgarians feel a deep affinity with their giant neighbor across the Black Sea.
Tensions between Russia and NATO have risen, particularly since the Ukraine crisis. NATO has said it plans its biggest build-up in the region since the Cold War.
Russia is reinforcing its western and southern flanks with three new divisions in response to the build-up, including readying of US missile systems in Romania, Poland and the Baltics.
The US has long insisted that the system is directed against Iran, but Russian officials have slammed the move as an “attempt to destroy the strategic balance” in Europe.
Niamh Harris
Be the first to comment