Tension in the Black Sea Escalates, Russian Jets Clash With U.S. Destroyer

Russia scrambled military jets in the Black Sea in response to a United States Navy destroyer on Saturday. Both Russia’s state news service and the Pentagon confirmed the confrontation yesterday.

The uss Ross left the port of Costanta in Romania on Saturday. Russia’s ria Novosti claimed the Ross was acting “provocatively and aggressively” and was heading for Russian waters.

In response, Russia scrambled SU-24 attack aircraft.

Meanwhile, a Pentagon spokesperson claims the American ship was carrying out routine operations in international waters. Russia’s defense minister said that American missile ships close to Russian waters “pose a danger to strategic stability” between the U.S. and Russia.

The latest clash shows heightened tension in the Black Sea between Russia and Western powers.