Last week the Russians claimed victory saying their mighty jet fighters (Su-24 Fencers) scared a United States Navy destroyer into reversing course after planning to enter former Soviet waters.

The incident took place in the Black Sea, off the coast of the Crimean peninsula, where it (you might’ve heard through the grapevine) hasn’t exactly been paradise lately.

That Russian “win” stood out there like a sore thumb, until Monday.

Because Monday the U.S. finally came out and called “B.S.” on Vladimir Putin‘s motherland, putting forth the video of the incident above, and issuing this statement — via the Navy:

USS Ross (DDG 71) observes the flight by a Russian SU 24 aircraft while both were operating in international waters and airspace. Ross continued on her mission after observing the aircraft return to base. At no time did Ross act aggressively nor did she deviate from her planned operations. The conduct of her crew has been and continues to be professional. Ross’ Sailors observed that the SU 24 carried no weapons – wings were “clean.” The U.S. Navy operates ships in the Black Sea on a routine basis, consistent with the Montreux Convention and International Law.

Basically, the Navy is saying that the Russian fighter flew by, the sailors onboard made sure it wasn’t carrying weapons (it wasn’t), and it went on its merry way. And so did the USS Ross, the destroyer that the Russians claimed turned into a wuss and fled.

There’s even reports out of Crimea that turns the story on its head once more, saying the Americans were the ones acting provocatively.

Either way, the story isn’t clear, and probably was never intended to be. Both countries are fixtures in the propaganda game these days, especially Russia, so there’s the distinct possibility this story was generated to light some fires overseas and that the tiny truth of the matter is floating somewhere undisturbed on the choppy surface of the Black Sea.

Foxtrot Alpha