MOSCOW, Jan 17 (News On Japan) - Russia's Ministry of Defense announced on January 16 that long-range strategic bombers flew over the high seas of the Sea of Japan, an action that appears to be a show of force aimed at Japan and the United States.
The Ministry released footage showing two Tupolev Tu-95 long-range strategic bombers conducting regular flights over the Sea of Japan, escorted by Russian Air Force's Sukhoi Su-35 fighter jets and other aircraft for approximately seven hours.
The Air Force commander stated, "The flight was carried out in strict accordance with international law. Our pilots regularly fly over the high seas of the Arctic, North Atlantic, Black Sea, Baltic Sea, and the Pacific."
Russia's deployment of strategic bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons in the vicinity of Japan is seen as a move to deter Japan and the United States, with whom Russia's relations have soured due to the invasion of Ukraine.
Source: NHK