NATO warns Putin: The video – message of fighters escorting B-52 bombers

Cold War Images humanity experiences again. After video footage showed the interception of a pair of nuclear-capable US B-52s Stratofortress bombers by a Russian SU-35 fighter jet on Monday over the Black Sea, NATO is making a “show of force”, warning Vladimir Putin, with three fighter jets of the Alliance (from Spain, Italy and Romania) to accompany a pair of B-52s.

NATO’s Air Command said on Twitter that “B-52s are training with Allied Air Forces during their mission enhancing our Euro-Atlantic cooperation” amid heightened tensions in the region.

The video was posted after Chinese President Xi Jinping wrapped up a visit to Russia, which he described as a “trip of friendship, cooperation and peace”, while criticizing Washington for providing military support to Ukraine on his return to Beijing.

Get a cockpit view of the @usairforce 🇺🇸B-52 Stratofortress bombers working with @NATO Allies 🇷🇴🇮🇹🇪🇸 during a recent mission over Europe

The B-52s are training with Allied Air Forces during their BTF mission strengthening our Euro-Atlantic partnership#StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/i1JknUUFqt

— NATO Air Command (@NATO_AIRCOM) March 21, 2023

At the same time, video shows the Russian defense minister Sergei Shoigu to award the pilots of Russian Su-27 fighter jets for shooting down a US MQ-9 Reaper drone over the Black Sea.

At the request of the American side, Su-27 pilots who sunk the American MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicle in the Black Sea were punished

Кадры наказания are attached pic.twitter.com/794B84MMg5

— 🎭Ludum – virtual theater, roleplay, games (@LudumRu) March 22, 2023

On the occasion of the event, Russian users are citing the video, and mocking the West on social media, for the fact that Moscow is defying the warnings of the US and its allies.

The awards were presented to captains Sergei Popov and Vasily Vavilov.