U.S. bombers flew over European countries

Two B-52 strategic bombers flew over the Croatian resort city of Dubrovnik and three other NATO member states in the region in a show of support amid Russian aggression in Ukraine.

In addition to Dubrovnik, the planes flew over government headquarters in Skopje, the northern Macedonian capital, Skanderberg Square in Tirana, the Albanian capital, and the Adriatic coast of Montenegro.

The Balkans and the Adriatic Sea have recently witnessed military, intelligence and propaganda activities by Moscow, which considers the region a zone of its political interest because of its access to the Mediterranean Sea.

“The purpose of each overflight is to demonstrate and reassure U.S. commitment to NATO allies and partners in southeastern Europe,” the U.S. Air Force said in a statement. – In addition, it will give citizens the opportunity to take pictures, videos and admire the aircraft flying by.”

Crowds of people in squares in Skopje and Tirana, as well as tourists in Dubrovnik and Montenegro, watched the giant bombers fly over. Some spectators waved American flags.

North Macedonia in 20202 became the last country so far admitted to NATO, and Montenegro became a member of the alliance in 2017. In both cases, it was strongly opposed by Russia.

Lt. Col. Jovan Azmanovski, head of the North Macedonian Army Staff, told Kanal 5 television that the bomber flights are symbolic proof that “our skies are safe.”

“People in Northern Macedonia could see the flights of two U.S. Air Force B-52 strategic bombers, which demonstrates our membership in NATO and the safety of our skies and the skies of the entire alliance. Our skies are safe and our NATO membership is more than visible,” Azmanovski said.

In Tirana, Albanian Army Chief of Staff Arben Kingi said, “We have witnessed a strategic military demonstration.”

“Our strategic partners are walking hand in hand with us, this is a message of unity,” he said in the square where people had gathered.

The two B-52 Stratofortress bombers are assigned to the 23rd Bomber Squadron and are stationed at Fairford Air Base in Britain.

Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department issued a warning that Russia would step up efforts to strike civilian infrastructure and government facilities in Ukraine in the coming days.

The warning came after U.S. intelligence on Monday declassified its findings that Russia will increasingly target civilian infrastructure in Ukraine.