Russian fury at NATO 'air attacks'

MOSCOW, Russia (AP) -- Russia's air force chief has accused NATO fighters escorting Russian bombers on patrol flights over neutral waters of violating safety rules.

Col.-Gen. Alexander Zelin said on Saturday that NATO aircraft were approaching Russian bombers too closely and too often, creating risky situations.

"They approach our strategic bombers at unacceptable distances and at unacceptable intervals, conduct various maneuvers around them and violate flight safety rules in every way," Zelin was quoted by the Interfax news agency as telling reporters Saturday.

No one answered the phone at the Air Force's press service Saturday.

An increasingly assertive Moscow is seeking to showcase its military might and clout in the international arena.

During Friday's Victory Day parade, Russia displayed tanks and missile launchers on Red Square for the first time since the Soviet era, evoking the Cold War.

Russia's military spending has increased eightfold to an annual $40 billion during the past eight years, thanks to the nation's oil bonanza.

Analysts, however, say the armed forces still suffer from the problems that have dented its capability and prestige since the Soviet collapse.

Zelin complained that NATO F-15, F-16 and F-22 fighter jets regularly "attack" Russian bombers over the Arctic Ocean.

"It is not a misuse of the word 'attack' because our partners are training for combat actions, reaching the point of an attack," Zelin was quoted as saying.

"I must confess that this is quite unpleasant and even dangerous. Naturally, we rehearse our counteractions."

There was no immediate comment from NATO.

Russia itself has been the subject of similar disputes. In February, Russian bombers flew over a U.S. aircraft carrier in the Pacific, prompting the U.S. to scramble fighters to escort the Russian aircraft.

In September last year, Russian jets were accused of violating Finnish airspace. Russia said the jets were flying over neutral territory.

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