It is noted that Russian forces discovered two flying objects approaching the state border over the Baltic Sea. To prevent border violations, two fighters from the Western Military District were lifted into the air.
Russian pilots determined that the flying objects are strategic bombers B-1B of the US Air Force.
"After the removal of foreign military aircraft from the state border of the Russian Federation, Russian fighters returned to the home airfield," the statement said.
According to the Defense Ministry, the flight was carried out in strict accordance with international rules for the use of airspace, there were no violations of the state border of Russia.
Earlier, the Russian National Defense Control Center said that the Su-27 fighter of the Russian Aerospace Forces escorted two US B-1B strategic bombers flying towards the country's border over the Baltic Sea.
Later, Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder said that the flight of B-1 bombers over the Baltic Sea was carried out as part of an exercise, and interaction with the Russian Aerospace Forces was "safe and professional."