Russian Jets Buzz Canadian Warship

A Canadian navy frigate taking part in a NATO exercise in the Black Sea was buzzed by three Russian military jets off the southern coast of Ukraine on Sunday. Two Russian Su-24 Fencer fighter jets and a surveillance plane buzzed the frigate.

The Hon. Rob Nicholson, Canada's Minister of National Defense, said: "The participation of HMCS Toronto in NATO’s reassurance measures in the Black Sea demonstrates Canada's steadfast commitment to peace and security in Eastern and Central Europe. While the Russian military aircraft that circled the HMCS Toronto did not in any way pose a threat to the Canadian ship, their actions were unnecessarily provocative and risk escalating tensions even further."

“Canada and its allies are taking part in reassurance measures as a direct result of the Putin regime’s military aggression and invasion of Ukraine. Canada will continue to work with our NATO Allies to build military interoperability and partnerships in this part of the world. The message that Canada is sending - along with the rest of our NATO allies - is that Russia's reckless actions must stop," he concluded.

Russia's defense ministry has brushed off the accusation, with a spokesperson confirming that the Russian jets were indeed flying in that area but were behaving strictly in line with international rules.

The multinational “Sea Breeze 2014” military exercise, which started on Monday, is a demonstration of NATO’s commitment to strengthen its ability to work with partner navies. The event will test maritime interdiction operations, communications, search and rescue, force protection and navigation.