Russian pilots tried to “dogfight” US jets over Syria, according to a spokesman for US Central Command, part of a recent pattern of more aggressive behavior. US has seen 'significant spike' in aggressive Russian military flights in Syria this month, commander says Since the beginning of March, Russian jets have violated deconfliction protocols a total of 85 times, the official said, including flying too close to coalition bases, failing to reach out on the deconfliction line, and more. Alexus Grynkewich said in a statement earlier this month