Russian planes threaten NATO civilian aircraft with ‘military brinkmanship’

Russia is pursuing a dangerous course of military brinkmanship, with the potential for serious escalation, according to a new study backed by senior European figures. Research by the European Leadership Network examined more than 40 close military encounters between Russia and NATO countries, and their partners in Sweden and Finland, over the last eight months. The incidents included a civilian airliner taking off from Copenhagen on 3 March, 2014 that came within 90 metres of a Russian reconnaissance aircraft which was not transmitting its position. The Boeing 737, bound for Rome, had 132 passengers on board.

It’s basically nuclear blackmail to frighten the Europeans that Russia may go to war, that this may become nuclear. That they should make concessions – phase out sanctions, be more considerate to Russia, because Russia can go real bad.

Russian journalist Pavel Felgenhauer

In early September, Russian strategic bombers were reported in the Labrador Sea near Canada, practising what researchers believe to be simulated cruise missile strikes on the United States. On 17 September, two Russian aircraft violated Swedish airspace, in what the country’s Foreign Minister described as the “most serious aerial incursion” in years. Former UK Defence Secretary Des Browne said: “In my view, they are doing this on NATO’s borders to test cooperation and readiness on our side. We need to tell Russia that there are costs and risks associated with this for them, as well as us.” Last month, Swedish armed forces searched the waters off Stockholm in the hunt for what was widely rumoured to be a Russian submarine. However, the country’s military would only confirm they were investigating suspected “foreign underwater activity”.

History shows that, quite often, serious conflicts escalating into wars start off with relatively small incidents which grow very quickly.

Former UK Defence Secretary Des Browne

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