Updated

The Russian defense ministry has accused a U.S. Navy ship of sailing dangerously close to its vessels in the Mediterranean Sea.

The ministry says Tuesday in comments carried by the Interfax news agency that the destroyer USS Gravely passed a Russian combat ship dangerously close earlier this month in the eastern section of the Mediterranean and cut in front of a Russian frigate. The ministry insisted the Russian vessels were in international waters and did not perform any dangerous maneuvers regarding the American ship.

U.S. officials have repeatedly complained about Russian military jets and vessels buzzing and sailing too close to their planes and vessels, calling it dangerous and unprofessional behavior.