NATO planes were scrambled after Russian Tu-22M3 strategic bombers mounted a show of strength over the Baltic Sea.

Footage shows Russian Tupolev bombers, designed to carry nuclear weapons, on a mission over "neutral waters" of the Baltic.

"Fighter escort was provided by crews of Su-35S and Su-27 aircraft of the Aerospace Forces," said the Russian defence ministry, which admitted they were tracked by NATO warplanes. "The flight duration was over five hours. At certain stages of the route, the long-range bombers were accompanied by fighters of foreign states."

This came as Vladimir Putin insisted he had "no intention of attacking Europe" - claiming the suggestion was "ridiculous". But he bluntly vowed to go on with his aggression in Ukraine until Kyiv surrenders the territory he wants

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