Dramatic moment RAF aircraft was ‘repeatedly and dangerously’ intercepted by Russian jets flying just SIX metres away in ‘Crazy Ivan’ incident

In the closest conflict between the two countries’ air forces, Russian jets recklessly endangered an RAF spy plane.

Vladimir Putin’s pilots made careless passes at over 500 mph in the horrific incident over the Black Sea.

One of the fighters flew within 20ft of the nose of RAF Rivet Link, ignoring every internationally accepted guidance designed to prevent the tragedy in the sky.

The slightest mistake would cost the lives of everyone on both sides.

The incident emerged on the same day Labor was accused of financing Moscow’s war machine against Ukraine by diluting sanctions on Russian oil.

Russian fighter pilots carried out six uncomfortably close passes in what became known as the ‘Crazy Ivan’ manoeuvre, designed to unsettle the enemy, causing the RAF surveillance plane’s autopilot system to disengage and trigger emergency procedures.

Last night Defense Secretary John Healey condemned Russia’s actions as it continues the Kremlin’s campaign to intimidate British jets and warships as Mr Putin tests that country’s resolve.

Labor was accused on Wednesday of easing sanctions on Russian oil in response to Britain’s concerns about supply and rising prices due to the crisis in the Middle East.

A Russian Su-35 withdrawn from RAF Rivet Joint aircraft flew close enough to trigger emergency systems, including disabling the autopilot system

A jargon-filled government statement was published late on Tuesday night calling for the suspension of a proposed ban on the UK buying substances such as jet fuel and diesel derived from Russian crude but refined by third countries.

The government has said it plans to ‘phasically introduce’ the ban over the coming months, but the move has sparked criticism at home and in Ukraine.

During Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons, Kemi Badenoch criticized Keir Starmer: ‘He is now choosing to buy dirty Russian oil. This money will be used to finance the killing of Ukrainian soldiers. Isn’t he ashamed?’

The Black Sea incident also took place at a time when concerns were growing about Russia’s activities in British waters.

The Ministry of Defense said last month that Kremlin submarines had been detected carrying out surveillance missions over Britain’s vital undersea data cables.

And despite Sir Keir’s harsh words, the Government has failed to change international law to allow Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ to land.

It is a secret navy of hundreds of often obsolete ships that Moscow uses to evade sanctions for carrying weapons or illicit fuel.

Since then numerous ships have passed through British waters unopposed.

Mr Healey said last night: ‘This incident is yet another example of dangerous and unacceptable behavior by Russian pilots towards an unarmed aircraft operating in international airspace.

‘These actions create a serious risk of accidents and potential escalation. I would like to recognize the extraordinary professionalism and courage of the RAF crew who continued their duty despite these dangerous actions.

The RAF’s Rivet Joint aircraft that filmed this Russian Su-35 was performing a routine flight in international airspace over the Black Sea and was unarmed.

Russian jet shot by RAF crew passed 6 to 15 meters from the plane’s nose

‘Let me be very clear: this incident will not deter Britain’s determination to defend NATO, our allies and our interests against Russian aggression.’

Traditionally carrying a team of 30 pilots, navigators, and analysts, the Rivet Joint’s crew continued intelligence gathering flights before returning to base in Eastern Europe.

The incident occurred in mid-April and led to the Foreign Office formally protesting against the Russian Embassy in London.

The term ‘Crazy Ivan’ originated in the Cold War and initially referred to submarines that returned unexpectedly to see if their captains were being followed.

Its use has expanded over the years to include any reckless behavior by the Russian military, whether at sea or in the air.

But the West has seen an increase in the number of such incidents, with previous dramas aimed at deterring the RAF and Royal Navy from patrolling the Black Sea.

Questions were asked last night why the Rivet Link, which was not designed for self-defence, was not escorted by RAF fighters.

Former British intelligence officer Philip Ingram said: ‘The Russians have a habit of harassing NATO surveillance planes and drones over the Black Sea.

‘Typhoon warplanes accompanied surveillance flights for a while to deter Russia’s aggression. If this has stopped, then… it’s only a matter of time before an accident occurs.’

Former UK military commander and Russia expert Hamish de Bretton-Gordon added: ‘These events confirm, if any confirmation were needed, that Britain is engaged in a hybrid war that could escalate at any time.

‘Russia is losing in Ukraine and British intelligence is making a significant difference. That’s why Russia is trying to scare us.’

The intimidation by Su-35 and Su-27 jets was the most dangerous example since 2022, when the Russians opened fire on RAF Rivet Node in the same area.

The pilot fired two missiles, mistakenly assuming he had received permission to engage from the Kremlin.

The Black Sea in southern Ukraine has become a fiercely contested battleground in that country’s fight against Putin’s invasion.

Yesterday, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda and his prime minister Inga Ruginiene were forced to take shelter due to drone activity near the border with Putin’s ally Belarus.

It was unclear whether the drone came from Russia or Ukraine, and the NATO jets assigned to shoot it down were unable to find it.