Russia's military had close encounters with its US and European rivals in June. The incidents and exercises were messages about Russia's military capabilities, experts said. A Russian fighter jet flying past the Dutch frigate HNLMS Evertsen in the Black Sea on June 24. Russia's military drilled around Crimea throughout the end of June and early July, focusing on attacking the ships of "a notional enemy." Russian officials continue to call the HMS Defender incident a "provocation" and warn about future run-ins.

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