In a bold move that has escalated tensions with the US amid conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered fighter jets armed with hypersonic missiles to conduct round-the-clock patrols over the Black Sea. Putin made the announcement during a press conference in Beijing after meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The aircraft in question are MiG-31s, armed with Kinzhal missiles that have an impressive range of over 1,000 kilometers and can reach speeds of Mach 9.

Russia🇷🇺 President Putin orders fighter jets armed with hypersonic missiles to begin round-the-clock patrols over the Black Sea:

“Patrols to give "visual control" of the Mediterranean”. pic.twitter.com/OTG1XeYqFv

— Dr. Anastasia Maria Loupis (@DrLoupis) October 18, 2023

Putin stated that these jets would be carrying out permanent missions in the neutral airspace over the Black Sea. He emphasized that this move was not a threat, but rather a measure to exercise visual control, with the added deterrent of firepower, over developments in the Mediterranean Sea. Putin specifically pointed to the US as a factor contributing to the heightened atmosphere, noting that the US had deployed two aviation groups to the Mediterranean in response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

Additionally, he criticized the decision by the US to supply Ukraine with ATACMS long-range missiles, describing it as a mistake that only prolonged the conflict in the region. Putin expressed confidence that Russia would be able to repel any attacks launched with these missiles. The Russian President also commented on the recent explosion at a hospital in Gaza, calling it a signal to end the conflict between Israel and Hamas as soon as possible. He stated that his phone conversations with various regional leaders made it clear that nobody wanted the situation to escalate into a full-scale war.

While China has been providing diplomatic and economic support to Russia, it has not provided any weapons that could risk provoking US penalties. This highlights the common threats faced by Russia and China, which have further strengthened their relations. In light of the escalating conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, Putin's decision to deploy hypersonic missile-armed fighter jets for round-the-clock patrols over the Black Sea reflects Russia's determination to exercise its influence in the region and maintain control over developments in the Mediterranean. The move further adds to tensions with the US and signals Russia's readiness to defend its interests in the face of perceived provocations.