Russian Jet Barrel-Rolls Over U.S. Aircraft
PAUL: New this morning, another close encounter between Russia and the U.S. military in the Baltic Sea. This time, a U.S. reconnaissance plane was barrel rolled by a Russian jet in true, some say "Top Gun" style.</s>BLACKWELL: But Russia's defense ministry released a statement and here's part of it. Western media reports about SU-207 flying dangerously close to U.S. RC-135U in skies of Baltic seas are not consistent with reality." All this comes after Russian jets flew within a few feet of the U.S. military ship in the same region earlier this week. CNN's Brian Todd has details.</s>BRIAN TODD, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): Some call these moves striping runs without the firing. U.S. officials still furious over the buzzing of an American navy ship by Russian combat jets. America's top diplomat calling the incident in the Baltic Sea reckless, provocative.</s>JOHN KERRY, SECRETARY OF STATE: Under the rules of engagement, that could have been a shoot down. So, people need to understand that this is serious business, and the United States is not going to be intimidated.</s>TODD: In wave after wave, Russian ships buzzed the USS Donald Cook, at certain points coming within 30 feet of the ship. (on camera): No margin for error, right?</s>REAR ADM. TERENCE MCKNIGHT (RET.), FORMER STRIKE GROUP COMMANDER: That's correct. I mean, you are talking feet. We're not talking yards, or miles. We're talking feet. And, basically, if this pilot sneezed or looked at different, and the plane went another way, bang, it could have hit the ship.</s>TODD (voice-over): The Russian jets were not armed. Russian officials are defending their actions tonight, saying these fly-byes were in accordance with international rules. But analysts say we're in a very dangerous period.</s>OLGA OLIKER, CENTER FOR STRATEGIC & INTERNATIONAL STUDIES: It's absolutely the worst it's been since the end of the Cold War.</s>TODD: The USS Cook was operating in international wars, but only about 70 miles off the Russian territory of Kaliningrad, where the Russians have military ports. That, plus the capabilities of the American Aegis destroyer likely got under Vladimir Putin's skin.</s>MCKNIGHT: This ship has the most advanced radar capability in the fleet of the United States Navy. It can not only detect missiles, but it also can shoot down missiles. And this is probably what irritated the Russians, not only that it was operating out in the sea, but also close to their shores.</s>TODD: Putin is being as aggressive as ever, using his ramped up military to threaten his neighbors, provoke the U.S., push every envelope, all with the clear message, we must be respected.</s>OLIKER: Putin's narrative is one of strength, right? So, at home, he got us off our knees. Internationally, it's, we are capable of standing up to the United States and other countries to assert our interests.</s>TODD (on camera): The danger, of course, is a miscalculation or mistake that caused us a provocation. And U.S. officials are now worried about a possible intelligence breach. During those fly-bys, this helicopter came very close to the USS Cook. It was probably taking high-res pictures of the radar, weaponry and communications on board to give to Russian commanders and defense contractors. Brian Todd, CNN, Washington.</s>BLACKWELL: Bernie Sanders live on "STATE OF THE UNION" today, along with Governor John Kasich.</s>PAUL: Yes, the candidates sitting down with "STATE OF THE UNION" later this morning. Dana Bash giving u a preview of her interview, next.