Russia is quite at liberty to fly in international airspace if it files a flight plan and flies in accordance with the AIP, even if it annoys the heck out of the controlling FIR or the host government. It is not entitled to carry out unsafe acts against the international agreements that it has agreed to. Russian military can also fly with 'due regard' but this still carries a responsibility and cannot lead to unsafe acts such as this.
So can you explain what International Airspace is? Does London FIR/UIR incorporate International Airspace?
As far as I can see, the position of the TU 95s, when intercepted by the Typhoons, was in the London FIR, in class C airspace. The UK AIP (Incorporating standards and recommended practices of ICAO), states that when wishing to fly in the London FIR/UIR in class C airspace, then a flight plan is required and communication with ATC & in receipt of an ATC clearance is also required. (See copy of UK AIP below)
https://www.flickr.com/photos/167369...n/photostream/
The TU 95 were tracked in the UK FIR/UIR. I have indicated below on a map of the London FIR/UIR, where the Tu 95s and Typhoons were seen. As you can see the track of these TU 95s was well inside the London FIR and in class C airspace (Crossing busy Upper Air Routes used by civil and military aircraft flying over the Atlantic).
https://www.flickr.com/photos/167369...n/photostream/
