Russian jets brazenly imperilled an RAF spy plane in the closest confrontation yet between the two countries’ air forces.
Vladimir Putin’s pilots flew reckless passes at more than 500mph in the terrifying incident over the Black Sea.
One of the fighters flew within 20ft of the nose of the RAF Rivet Joint, ignoring every internationally recognised guideline designed to prevent tragedy in the skies.
The slightest error would have cost the lives of everyone involved on both sides.
The incident emerged on the day that Labour was accused of funding Moscow’s war machine against Ukraine by watering down sanctions on Russian oil.
The Russian fighter pilots, in what is known as a ‘Crazy Ivan’ manoeuvre that is designed to unsettle the enemy, conducted six harrowingly close passes, causing the RAF surveillance plane’s autopilot system to disengage and trigger emergency procedures.
Last night, Defence Secretary John Healey condemned Russia’s actions, which continued a Kremlin campaign of intimidating British jets and warships as Mr Putin tests this country’s resolve.
Labour was accused on Wednesday of watering down sanctions on Russian oil in response to concerns in Britain over supplies and rising prices because of the crisis in the Middle East.
A Russian Su-27 aircraft took part in the ‘dangerous’ close-range interception of an RAF jet over the Black Sea, conducting six passes in front of the British plane
A Russian Su-35, filmed from an RAF Rivet Joint aircraft, flew close enough to trigger the emergency systems, including disabling the autopilot system
A jargon-filled government notice was slipped out late on Tuesday night, suspending a proposed ban on Britain buying the likes of jet fuel and diesel that is derived from Russian crude oil but refined by third countries.
The Government said it planned to ‘phase in’ the ban in the coming months, but the move brought criticism at home and in Ukraine.
During Prime Minister’s Questions in the Commons, Kemi Badenoch blasted Keir Starmer, saying: ‘He is now choosing to buy dirty Russian oil. That money will be used to fund the killing of Ukrainian soldiers. Isn’t he ashamed?’
The Black Sea incident also came amid growing concerns over Russian activity in UK waters.
Kremlin submarines have been identified conducting missions to surveil Britain’s vital undersea data cables, the Ministry of Defence revealed last month.
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And, despite tough words from Sir Keir, the Government has failed to change international law to authorise the boarding of Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’.
This is a clandestine armada of hundreds of often ageing vessels used by Moscow to evade sanctions to transport weapons or illegal fuel.
Scores of such ships have since passed unopposed through British waters.
Mr Healey said last night: ‘This incident is another example of dangerous and unacceptable behaviour by Russian pilots towards an unarmed aircraft operating in international airspace.
‘These actions create a serious risk of accidents and potential escalation. I would like to pay tribute to the outstanding professionalism and bravery of the RAF crew who continued their mission despite these dangerous actions.
‘Let me be very clear: this incident will not deter the UK’s commitment to defend Nato, our allies and our interests from Russian aggression.’
The crew of the Rivet Joint, which customarily carries a team of 30, including pilots, navigators and analysts, continued their intelligence gathering flight before returning to base in Eastern Europe.
The incident occurred in mid-April and led to the Foreign Office formally protesting to the Russian Embassy in London.
The RAF’s Rivet Joint aircraft, which filmed this Russian Su-35, was carrying out a routine flight in international airspace over the Black Sea and was unarmed
The Russian jet, filmed by RAF crew, passed between 6 and 15 metres from the nose of the aircraft
The term ‘Crazy Ivan’ originated in the Cold War and initially referred to submarines whose captains turned unexpectedly to see if they were being followed.
Its usage has expanded over the years to cover any reckless behaviour at sea or in the air by the Russian military.
But the West has seen an increase in the number of such incidents, with previous dramas intended to deter the RAF and Royal Navy from patrolling the Black Sea.
Last night, questions were asked why the Rivet Joint, which is not designed to defend itself, was not escorted by RAF fighters.
Former UK intelligence officer Philip Ingram said: ‘The Russians have a habit of harassing Nato surveillance aircraft and drones over the Black Sea.
‘For a while surveillance flights were accompanied by Typhoon fighter jets to dissuade Russian aggression. If this has stopped, then … it is only a matter of time before an accident happens.’
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Former UK military commander and Russia specialist Hamish de Bretton-Gordon added: ‘These incidents confirm, if any confirmation was needed, that Britain is engaged in hybrid warfare which could turn hot at any time.
‘Russia is losing in Ukraine and British intelligence is making a significant difference. Hence Russian attempts to scare us off.’
The intimidation by the Su-35 and Su-27 jets was the most dangerous example since 2022 when the Russians shot at an RAF Rivet Joint in the same area.
The pilot fired two missiles after wrongly assuming that he had permission from the Kremlin to engage.
The Black Sea, to the south of Ukraine, has become a fiercely contested battleground in that country’s fight again Putin’s invasion.
Yesterday Lithuania’s president Gitanas Nauseda and prime minister Inga Ruginiene were forced to take shelter because of drone activity near the border with Putin ally Belarus.
It was unclear whether the drone came from Russia or from Ukraine and Nato jets deployed to shoot it down could not find it.
