War in Ukraine: Russia said it was escorting a German plane over the Baltic

On Monday, Russia said it was escorting a German reconnaissance plane flying near the Russian border over the Baltic.

The incident comes amid the recent resignation of German Defense Minister Christina Lambrecht, weakened by a series of slips, as Germany rushes to increase its military support for Ukraine again. Kyiv is indeed asking him for Leopard tanks, a request to which Berlin has not yet responded favorably and which could worsen its relations with Moscow.

“On January 16, 2023, Russian airspace control over the Baltic Sea detected an air target approaching the Russian border,” the Russian Defense Ministry said in a statement. “Therefore, the (Sukhoi) Su-27 of the Air Force of the Baltic Fleet” flew out to “escort over the sea” this “aircraft (…) R-3C Orion of the German Navy,” he added.

Christine Lambert’s departure came just days before the Western Allies’ meeting scheduled for Friday at the US base at Ramstein, Germany.