Tensions in the Baltic: Russia targets and brushes against a French military plane

Diplomatic relations between Moscow and Paris aren't in good shape. And this incident is unlikely to improve matters.

A warship belonging to the Russian fleet last Wednesday (19 March) collided with a French Navy military aircraft, the Dassault-Breguet ATL-2 Atlantique to be precise. The aircraft was taking part in the international mission Baltic Sentry.

This isn't the first time that such an incident has occurred in the Baltic Sea, since on 15 January, a fire control radar also illuminated an aircraft of the French Navy. This time, it wasn't a land-based anti-aircraft system but rather a Russian warship that brushed against the French patrol aircraft.

A hostile incident that betrays Moscow

The hostile action against France demonstrates the Kremlin's anxiety. Between Russian ships suspected of acts of sabotage and a ghost fleet circumventing sanctions imposed by the West: Moscow doesn't seem willing to ease the situation.

After the incident, the Ministry of the Armed Forces stated that France wouldn't let its conduct be dictated by the aggression and lack of composure characteristic of Russian forces, reports the site Avions Légendaires.

Currently, the Baltic is saturated with warships, Russian forces on one side and NATO units on the other. Day and night, Allied patrol vessels monitor its waters.

(MH with Manon Pierre - Source: Avions Légendaires - Illustration: ©Unsplash)