The UK has accused Russia of conducting dangerous flybys after a Royal Air Force surveillance plan was intercepted over the Black Sea, warning against the risk of potential escalation between Nato and Russia.
"Let me be very clear: This incident will not deter the UK's commitment to defend Nato, our allies and our interests from Russian aggression,” defence secretary John Healey said.
Healey called the incident “another example of dangerous and unacceptable behaviour by Russian pilots, towards an unarmed aircraft operating in international airspace”.
It comes as Volodymyr Zelensky warned of a possible fresh ground offensive from Russia against the Ukrainian capital Kyiv on the war-hit country’s northern front.
Such an operation would likely be made possible by deeper involvement from Belarus, Zelensky said.
"Together with our military leadership, intelligence services, the Security Service of Ukraine, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we discussed in detail the latest developments along the Belarus-Bryansk region direction," he said.
Kyiv is ramping up defences in the region and will look to persuade international partners to increase diplomatic pressure on Belarus, he added.
