A Russian fighter jet approached within 20 feet of a U.S. Navy aircraft over the Black Sea on Tuesday morning — the day before Russian officials met with President Trump at the White House — U.S. defense officials told Fox News.

An Su-27 Russian jet made the close approach to the P-8A Poseidon while the Navy plane was in international airspace.

The Russian jet’s maneuver was “safe and professional,” a U.S. Navy spokesperson told NBC News.

The Su-27 was reportedly scrambled after the Poseidon appeared to be approaching Russia’s border. The Poseidon soon changed its course.

“After approaching a plane at a safe distance the Russian pilot visually identified the flying object as a US surveillance plane P-8A Poseidon,” the Russian military said.

Russian officials called the jet’s intercept a “greeting” maneuver.

U.S. officials said about 60 such incidents have occurred since 2007, RT reported.

In September, a Russian jet buzzed a Navy spy plane over the Black Sea, the aircrafts coming within 10 feet of each other.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov met with President Trump in the Oval Office on Wednesday and also held a meeting with Secretary of State Rex Tillerson.

(Source: Fox News)