Story highlights Russia's action was "reckless and provocative," Kerry says

Moscow has defended its actions

(CNN) America's top diplomat condemned a close encounter between Russian fighter jets and a U.S. Navy destroyer, saying his nation's military could have opened fire under the rules of engagement.

Secretary of State John Kerry described Russia's action as "reckless and provocative."

Initial reports indicate two encounters in the Baltic Sea between the Navy missile destroyer USS Donald Cook and two Russian jets. In one of the incidents Tuesday night in international waters, a Russian jet flew within 75 feet of the ship.

"It's unprofessional and under the rules of engagement that could have been a shot down, so people need to understand that this is serious business and the United States is not going to be intimidated in high seas," he told CNN en Español.

"We respect our freedom of navigation ... and we are communicating to the Russians how dangerous this is."

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