I would not take this at face value. Between this an the authorization for British fighters to shoot down Russian jets, I think the Brits finally realize that Moscow only understands violence and confrontation.
Let’s remember, Russia’s economy is smaller than Italy’s.
Outraged Russian officials asked UK ministers “to provide an official explanation” of reports that RAF Tornados operating over Iraq have been fitted with heat-seeking missiles designed for arial combat.
The Russian ambassador in London, Alexander Yakovenko, said he had “urgently requested explanations” of the reports from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
He said: “These reports are worrying, as they refer to senior cabinet members. We have urgently requested explanations from the Foreign and Commonwealth office.
“The very premise of a potential conflict of UK and Russian combat aircraft over Iraq is incomprehensible.”
http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/610780/US-Russia-military-showdown-INEVITABLE-MI6-ISIS-strikes
Former MI6 chief Sir John Sawers said there is a “real risk of a clash” as tensions boil between both superpowers amid Russia’s bombing crusade in Syria.
His warning comes as Defence Secretary Michael Fallon announced Britain is to station a “small number” of troops in the Baltic states in a further move to deter Russian aggression.
Mr Sawer said: “It is going to be quite hard to continue this campaign unless there is a degree of military co-ordination between the Russians and the West.
“You can’t really have two air forces fighting different campaigns aimed at different objectives over the same territory without the real risk of a clash.”
