Visitors inspect a Mikoyan MiG-29UB fighter aircraft at Patriot Park, a sort of military Disneyland outside Moscow aimed at showcasing Russia's military might, in the Moscow region on July 24, 2022. (PHOTO / AFP)

MOSCOW / KIEV – A Russian Su-27 fighter jet escorted a German patrol plane over the Baltic Sea on Wednesday to prevent it from entering Russia's airspace, the Russian Defense Ministry said.

The Russian fighter carried out the mission "in strict accordance with international rules for the use of airspace over neutral waters without crossing air routes and dangerously approaching an aircraft of a foreign state," said the Russian Defense Ministry

According to the ministry, after detecting an air target over the Baltic Sea approaching Russia's airspace, the Russian military flied a Su-27 fighter from the air defense forces of the Western Military District to identify the target and prevent it from violating Russia's state border.

The Russian jet escorted the plane, which was confirmed as an R-3C Orion base patrol aircraft of the German navy, over the Baltic sea and then safely returned to its base airfield, said the ministry.

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The Russian fighter carried out the mission "in strict accordance with international rules for the use of airspace over neutral waters without crossing air routes and dangerously approaching an aircraft of a foreign state," it added. 

'US support' for Kiev

On the same day, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said he discussed military support for his country with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin.

"We discussed in detail the urgent needs of Ukraine for the successful conduct of another counteroffensive operation to liberate Ukrainian lands," Shmyhal, who is on a visit to the US, wrote in a Telegram post.

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In particular, Ukraine needs air defense, heavy artillery and equipment, mortars and ammunition for them, Shmyhal said.

Ukraine is also counting on the US to provide it with longer-range missiles, he added.

Earlier in the day, Shmyhal arrived in the US for a visit to discuss military, financial, and sanctions support for Ukraine, as well as investment and assistance for reconstruction.