US accuses Russian warship of 'aggressive' approaches
July 2, 2016
In a statement released by the US European Command on Saturday, the Russian warship, Yaroslav Mudry, was accused of carrying out aggressive and erratic maneuvers close to the US navy ship USS San Jacinto on June 30.
The US ship maintained course and speed, but "the closing distance by Yaroslav Mudry before the ship turned away from San Jacinto is considered a high risk maneuver, highly unprofessional, and contrary to maritime regulations," the US statement confirmed.
"These actions can unnecessarily escalate tensions between countries, and could result in dangerous miscalculations or accidents," the statement added.
Second incident in two weeks
It is the second such incident within two weeks, with US officials claiming the Yaroslav Mudry came within 288 meters of the USS Gravely on June 17.
In another incident in April, US officials accused Russian SU-24 bombers of simulating attack passes near the USS Donald Cook in the Baltic Sea.
Russia denies the claims and instead accuses the US navy of violating international maritime agreements.
The incidents are reminiscent of Cold War confrontations between the two countries.
Relations between Russia and the West have deteriorated since Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea in March 2014.
shs/jm (Reuters, AFP)