Sweden says Russian military jet in near-crash with passenger plane, Russia issues denial
A Russian military jet nearly collided with a commercial passenger airplane in international airspace near southern Sweden on Friday, the Swedish authorities said, but Russia insisted on Sunday that its jet had kept a safe distance.
Relations between Russia and the West have soured over Moscow's role in the conflict in Ukraine and its annexation of Crimea. Many European countries have reacted with alarm to suspected displays by Russia of its military prowess.
A squadron of Russian warships entered the English Channel last month and Sweden said it had proof a foreign submarine was operating illegally in its waters in October. Britain also launched a submarine search, helped by NATO allies.
Friday's passenger flight SK1755 from the Danish capital Copenhagen to Poznan in Poland was diverted by Swedish authorities before a collision occurred, the authorities said.
