Russian Aircraft Nearly Downed NATO Surveillance Plane, Risking Wider War

A leaked U.S. military document reveals that a Russian fighter jet nearly shot down a British RC-135 spy plane in September 2020.
The incident was more serious than publicly disclosed and could have drawn NATO allies into direct conflict with Russia in Ukraine.
Tensions have risen in the region as Russia aids rebels in eastern Ukraine and the West tries to support Ukraine without provoking Russia.
The disclosure highlights the precarious balance Western nations have sought in aiding Ukraine while avoiding outright war with Russia.
Other incidents detailed in the leaked document show Russia's hostile reaction to reconnaissance flights monitoring its actions in Ukraine.