Feature

Let the bombers fly

The week's news at a glance.

Moscow

Russia has resumed long-range patrols by strategic bombers that can drop nuclear weapons on U.S. targets. “Such tours of duty will be conducted regularly and on a strategic scale,” said President Vladimir Putin. “Our pilots have been grounded for too long. They are happy to start a new life.” Russia had stopped sending bomber patrols over the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic oceans shortly after the Soviet Union dissolved, in 1991. But Putin, who is taking an increasingly aggressive stance toward the West, said NATO and the U.S. had not reciprocated, and that “security concerns’’ required a more active Russian military. The U.S. downplayed the news. “If Russia feels as though they want to take some of these old aircraft out of mothballs and get them flying again, that’s their decision,” said State Department spokesman Sean McCormack. Soon, though, newer jets could join the patrols. Putin has ordered new production of strategic nuclear bombers.

Recommended

Uganda's 'shameful' new anti-gay law
Protesters against Uganda's anti-homosexuality bill
Global lens

Uganda's 'shameful' new anti-gay law

War under the sea
A nuclear-powered U.S. Navy submarine
Briefing

War under the sea

Xi Jinping tells national security team to prepare for 'worst-case scenario'
Chinese President Xi Jinping.
Chinese Troubles

Xi Jinping tells national security team to prepare for 'worst-case scenario'

Putin blames Kyiv for 'terrorist' drone attack as war comes home to Moscow
Moscow apartment damaged by drone
Hitting close to home

Putin blames Kyiv for 'terrorist' drone attack as war comes home to Moscow

Most Popular

Air New Zealand to weigh international passengers as part of safety survey
An Air New Zealand plane takes off from Sydney, Australia.
Step on the Scale

Air New Zealand to weigh international passengers as part of safety survey

Thousands flock to Missouri to see body of nun who died in 2019
People wait in line to see the exhumed body of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster.
drawing a crowd

Thousands flock to Missouri to see body of nun who died in 2019

Why are so many boomers homeless?
Homeless person and tents
Today's big question

Why are so many boomers homeless?