2 Russian Blackjack Bombers Land in Venezuela

Two Russian strategic bombers landed in Venezuela on Wednesday as part of military maneuvers, the government said, announcing an unprecedented deployment to a new ally at a time when both nations are involved in tense relations with the U.S.

Russia’s Defense Ministry said the two Tupelov-160 Blackjack Bombers flew to Venezuela on a training mission. It said in a statement carried by the Russian news wires that the planes will conduct training flights over neutral waters over the next few days before heading back to Russia. Read more

Russia Playing Dangerous Game With Bomber Flights Near Alaska Coast

Russian forces continue to move around Georgia with impunity, and senior U.S. defense officials say they are troubled by intelligence showing the Russians have deployed SS-21 ballistic missiles into South Ossetia with a range to strike Tbilisi, the Georgian capital.

Secretary of State Rice stated Russia has raised questions about its place in the international community through the invasion and other actions, including the resumption last year for the first time since the 1991 collapse of the former Soviet Union of air patrols near the Alaskan coast by Tu-95 strategic bombers, code-named Bears by NATO. Read more