URGENT: Russian Navy says its aircraft kept away from U.S. warships

VLADIVOSTOK, March 20 (RIA Novosti) - Il-38 May anti-submarine aircraft from Russia's Pacific Fleet made routine flights over the Sea of Japan near to where U.S. naval warships were taking part in military exercises, but did not fly close to the vessels, the Fleet's headquarters said on Friday.

CNN reported earlier that on Monday and Tuesday several Russian Il-38 aircraft flew over U.S. warships at an altitude of just 150 meters (492 feet).