The planned flight of Tu-22M3 strategic long-range bombers over the neutral waters of the Baltic Sea lasted over five hours. According to the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, the mission was escorted by Su-35S and Su-27 multi-purpose fighters.
At certain stages of the route, long-range bombers were accompanied by fighters from foreign countries.
According to the agency, long-range aviation crews of the Aerospace Forces regularly practice flights over international airspace, including the Arctic, the northern Atlantic, the Pacific Ocean, and the waters of the Baltic and Black Seas.
The Ministry of Defense emphasized that all air operations of the Russian aviation are carried out in full compliance with the norms of international air law and do not violate the borders of other states.