Russia plans long-range bomber missions in Gulf of Mexico-(Video recorded at Gulf)

Russia plans long-range bomber missions in Gulf of Mexico and closer to U.S. coasts, defense minister says. Russia plans to send long-range bombers to patrol the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean, the nation's defense minister said, amid escalating tensions with the West over Ukraine. The patrols, which would also include the western Atlantic and eastern Pacific, would bring the flights close to the United States' territorial waters. The move is in response to a growing international resentment against Russia, defense minister Sergei Shoigu said Wednesday. In addition, he said, Russia will boost its security in Crimea, the region it annexed from Ukraine this year. "In many respects, this is connected with the situation in Ukraine, with fomentation of anti-Russian moods on the part of NATO and reinforcement of foreign military presence next to our border," Shoigu said. "Under these conditions, the formation of a full-fledged and self-sufficient forces on the Crimean peninsula is a priority task." Shoigu said Russian long-range bombers will conduct flights along the border and over the Arctic Ocean. "In the current situation we have to maintain military presence in the western Atlantic and eastern Pacific, as well as the Caribbean and the Gulf of Mexico," he said. "Due to that, as part of the drills, Russian long-range bombers will conduct flights along Russian borders and over the Arctic Ocean." During the Cold War era, Russian aircraft regularly patrolled near the U.S. maritime borders, but those flights were largely cut back after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Russian troops seized the Crimean peninsula in March, emboldening pro-Russia separatists who have clashed with Ukrainian troops in the eastern part of the country. The conflict has left thousands dead and frozen ties between Russia and the West. The announcement comes the same day NATO commander Gen. Phillip Breedlove said Russia is sending tanks, artillery, air defense systems and troops into Ukraine. A day earlier, Breedlove said Russia has moved "forces that are capable of being nuclear" into Crimea, which was Ukrainian territory until it was folded into Russia this year. Crimea borders southeastern Ukraine, where Russian troops have allegedly moved. Russian military spokesman Igor Konashenkov blasted Breedlove, accusing him of spreading "alarmist anti-Russian allegations." Pro-Russian rebels claim control of parts of southeastern Ukraine despite a push by Ukrainian forces to defeat them. The two sides signed a ceasefire deal in September, raising hope of an end to the conflict. It rages on.