Russia's defense minister has accused U.S. bombers of rehearsing a nuclear strike on Russia from two different directions earlier this month, complaining Tuesday that the planes came within 20 kilometers of the Russian border.
The Pentagon said its drills were announced publicly at the time and adhered to international protocols.
Moscow's accusation comes at a time of high tension with Washington over Ukraine, with U.S. officials voicing concerns about a possible attack by Russia on its southern neighbor — a suggestion the Kremlin has dismissed as false.