Russia warns UK against sending reconnaissance jet to its air space

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Russia's Defense Ministry said Tuesday UK's application for a reconnaissance flight in its airspace was a "provocation."

"Britain has applied to fly its RC-135 reconnaissance aircraft over Russia. We consider this action as a deliberate provocation," the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry warned the UK against the flight, noting that Russia's air force has been instructed to prevent any violations of its airspace.

"All possible consequences will lie on Britain," the statement said.

Russia's reaction comes at a time when its relations with the West have plummeted, after the UK, the US, EU and many other countries slammed sanctions on Moscow over its war in Ukraine, now in its sixth month.