Russia: Strategic bombers in the Arctic

MOSCOW, June 20 (UPI) -- Routine patrols of the Arctic and Atlantic oceans are being carried out by four Russian strategic bombers, a Russian air force spokesman said Friday.

Spokesman Lt. Col. Vladimir Drik said the bombers are following the strict guidelines agreed upon by the international community regarding the airspace above neutral waters, RIA Novosti reported.

"Two Tu-95MS Bear and two Tu-22M3 Backfire strategic bombers based at Engels airfield in southern Russia's Saratov Region are conducting on Friday a routine patrol flight over the Arctic and Atlantic oceans," Drik said.

Drik also said all Russian patrols were conducted to ensure Russian planes don't violate borders of neighboring countries.

The routine military activities mark the most recent conducted by Russia since the country resumed patrols of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Arctic oceans last August.

The resumption of those activities was ordered by former President Vladimir Putin, RIA Novosti said.