Sukhoi Su-27 'Sea Flanker' The Sukhoi Su-27 (NATO reporting name: Flanker) is a twin-engine supermanoeuverable fighter aircraft designed by Sukhoi. It was intended as a direct competitor for the large United States fourth generation fighters, with 3,530-kilometre (1,910 nmi) range, heavy armament, sophisticated avionics and high manoeuvrability. The Su-27 most often flies air superiority missions, but is able to perform almost all combat operations. Complementing the smaller MiG-29, the Su-27's closest US counterpart is the F-15 Eagle. There are several related developments of the Su-27 design. The Su-30 is a two-seat, dual-role fighter for all-weather, air-to-air and air-to-surface deep interdiction missions. The Su-33 ‘Flanker-D’ is a navy fleet defence interceptor for use on aircraft carriers. In late April 2014 on 2 days Soviet aircraft violated Ukrainian airspace possibly using this aircraft on one or more occasions. Along with mobilizing 40,000 soviet troops, tanks, armored vehicles, planes, artillery, and choppers on the eastern and southern Soviet side of it’s borders with the Ukraine. This prompted a response by NATO to conduct military exercises in the Baltic region beginning April 28th 2014. Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia has wanted to rebuild and unite the USSR. However the stunts he's pulling in the Ukraine since Feb 28, 2014 are likely to cost him big time! When you are a small country, next to Russia and you don't join NATO that is giving Putin an invitation to invade and take over. Ukrainian Pro-Moscow President Viktor Yanukovych was a major factor in contributing to the crisis in the Ukraine. He has been ousted after he caused a lot of damage. That is a major part of the Crisis in the Ukraine.