Putin and Trump ‘TUSSLE’ as Russian jet makes 'potentially FATAL' move on US spy plane

Putin and Trump ‘TUSSLE’ as Russian jet makes 'potentially FATAL' move on US spy plane

VLADIMIR Putin and Donald Trump’s military forces came within five feet of each other yesterday after a Russian SU-27 jet performed an “unsafe” intercept of a US EP-3E Aries II surveillance aircraft, defence officials have claimed.

The two planes came so close together that the EP-3E was forced to fly through the Russian’s “jet wash”, according to US Naval Forces Europe spokeswoman, Captain Pamela Kunze.

She explained: "This interaction was determined to be unsafe due to the SU-27 closing to within five feet and crossing directly through the EP-3's flight path, causing the EP-3 to fly through the SU-27's jet wash.

"Unsafe actions‎ increase the risk of miscalculation and midair collisions.

"The US aircraft was operating in accordance with international law and did not provoke this Russian activity."

The Russian defence ministry justified the actions of the SU-27 by claiming it flew “strictly in accordance with international rules”.

In a statement, it added: "An SU-27 fighter was sent to intercept the target and approached the aircraft at a safe distance and identified it as an ER-3E (Aries II) US reconnaissance aircraft.

"The crew of the fighter jet reported the identification of the American reconnaissance aircraft and accompanied it, preventing it from violating Russian airspace, observing all necessary security measures.

"After the surveillance plane of the US Navy had changed its course to move away from the border, the SU-27 returned to its b

VLADIMIR Putin and Donald Trump’s military forces came within five feet of each other yesterday after a Russian SU-27 jet performed an “unsafe” intercept of a US EP-3E Aries II surveillance aircraft, defence officials have claimed.

Close intercepts have become more common following Vladimir Putin’s annexation of the Crimea that saw him expand his military might closer to the Black Sea.

Russian, US and NATO forces all operate in the vicinity of the area.

Last year saw a Russian SU-30 fighter make an “unsafe” interception with an American P-8A Poseidon craft that caused the latter to experience a “15-degree roll and violent turbulence”.