Russian bombers fly near Alaskan coast, U.S. intercepts

Two Russian bombers entered the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) on Monday but stopped shy of entering American air space.

A pair of U.S. Air Force F-16 fighters intercepted two Russian Tu-95 Bear-H bombers that were "operating within the [ADIZ]," according to a press release from the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).

The ADIZ is international air space, but is in direct proximity to American air space and acts as something of a buffer zone. NORAD said "[t]he recent Russian activity in the North American ADIZ is not seen as a threat nor is the activity seen as provocative."

NORAD routinely monitors foreign aircraft in the ADIZ. 

The interceptions come amid the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine and a diplomatic row between Moscow and Washington over Russia's detention of Brittney Griner and Paul Whelan.