U.S., Nordic countries concerned about Russia's military actions in Baltic Sea region

The United States and five Nordic countries on Friday said they are concerned about what they see as Russia's dangerous military actions in the Baltic Sea region.

The United States and the Nordic countries warned Moscow about "its nuclear posturing, its undeclared exercises, and the provocative actions taken by Russian aircraft and naval vessels," according to a joint statement issued Friday as U.S. President Barack Obama hosted leaders of the five countries at the White House.

While Russia has been critical of the deployment of U.S. missile defense systems in Eastern Europe, flyby incidents with the participation of Russian combat airplanes in the Baltic Sea have become a source of tension between Russia and the United States in recent weeks.

On Friday, the United States expressed concern after Russian bombers flew over the U.S. guided missile destroyer Donald Cook in the Baltic Sea.

But Russia has repeatedly said that its pilots operated in accordance with international rules in the Baltic Sea region.

In the joint statement, the United States and its Nordic partners also emphasized that the sanctions against Russia's economy should remain in place.

Nevertheless, the six nations said they recognized the need for "an appropriate dialogue with Russia to be maintained" to enhance transparency and reduce risk, and to address issues including countering the Islamic State and ending the conflict in Syria. Endi