Mock attacks on Russia's doorstep

On 23 June, the British destroyer Defender in waters to the south of Crimea attracted the displeasure of the Russians. Apparently, he was travelling through an area that Russia has considered to be its territorial waters since the annexation of Crimea. As a result, Russian fighter jets and ships harassed him, causing the Defender finally changed course and left the waters.
Just one day later, according to the Dutch Ministry of Defence, Russian fighter jets flying low over the HNMS Evertsen have flown. The Dutch air defence frigate, like the Defender part of the destroyers Queen Elizabeth Carrier Strike Group and was also in the Black Sea, but is said not to have crossed the zone claimed by Russia. Between 15:30 and 20:30, the fighter-bombers are said to have repeatedly flown "dangerously low" over the Dutch. In the process, aircraft armed with bombs and air-to-ground missiles flew mock attacks. Pictures published by the Dutch Ministry of Defence show Su-30s. Finally, the Russian side even allegedly destroyed the electronics of the Evertsen been disturbed. "HNLMS Evertsen sailed on the open sea in international waters," reported frigate captain George Pastoor, commander of the Dutch frigate. "There was no reason for these aggressive actions. Nevertheless, the mock attacks continued for several hours. It was irresponsible and unsafe behaviour at sea." Dutch Defence Minister Ank Bijleveld-Schouten expressed similar sentiments: "HNLMS Evertsen had every right to drive there. There is no justification for this kind of aggressive behaviour, which also unnecessarily increases the risk of accidents. The Netherlands will address Russia on this."

Russian fighter planes

Text: mb; Photos: Koninklijke Marine