Ukraine Tensions Drive Russia's Bomb Flights
Flights are routine and compliant with international law amid Ukraine war tensions and differing Christmas dates.
NATO scrambles and Russian escorts, including foreign fighter jets and Russian Navy Su-33s, accompanied the Tu-95MS.
Bombers flew near UK, highlighting proximity to Western defenses.
Tu-95 Bears are a key part of Putin's nuclear triad.
South Korea and Japan criticized Russian-Chinese flights, including a Tu-95MS-H-6 meeting in May.
3 weeks ago