The US Air Force said that the interaction between its bombers and the MiG-31 was safe
The actions of the MiG-31 fighter-interceptor pilot who prevented a pair of American B-1 strategic bombers from crossing the Russian border over the Barents Sea were assessed as safe and professional, according to the US Air Force. The Russian Ministry of Defense previously reported that the MiG-31 was scrambled to identify an air target and prevent violation of the state border, after which the bombers moved away from Russian borders.
The Polish Foreign Ministry, through the RIA Novosti agency, announced its intention to demand an explanation from Russia in connection with the «missile incident». According to the US Air Force, both aircraft were operating in international airspace in compliance with international law. The Russian aircraft approached the pair of B-1s, but the interaction was assessed as safe and professional.
The US military said the bombers were on a «routine deployment» to Europe, heading from Texas to an airbase in Spain. Fox News reported that the bombers were being sent. Recently, Finnish fighters escorted Russian Tu-22M3 over the Baltic Sea.