The US MQ-9 drone that crashed in the Black Sea yesterday has given rise to food for thought and loud statements from officials and politicians in the United States. While a number of senior officials in Washington are calling for restraint in assessing the actions of Russian Su-27 fighters, some are calling for an aggressive response to such actions.
South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, in an interview with Fox News, considers it fair to shoot down Russian planes if they come close to an American plane. The fact that the drone, which belonged to the United States, carried out reconnaissance in the interests of Ukraine, does not bother the senator.
The Russians must know that if they ever come close to an American object flying in international waters, their plane will be shot down.
said the senator.
The Pentagon chief also commented on the incident with the drone. At the upcoming online meeting of defense ministers from Ukraine’s sponsor nations, Lloyd Austin said US planes will continue to fly wherever international law permits. He urged Russian pilots to continue to operate more professionally and safely.
Despite the aggressive rhetoric of representatives from Washington, the work of the Russian fighters was very effective. This is evidenced by the cancellation of the flights of three similar drones, which today were to carry out reconnaissance in the Crimea and Kaliningrad region.
