A new red line: A deliberate attack on a Russian aircraft in neutral airspace would be considered a declaration of open war against a nuclear power, Russian Ambassador to Washington Anatoly Antonov has said. Then he commented on the proposals of the American legislators to cut down in the international space.
“Calls by some lawmakers go beyond common sense,” TASS quotes Antonov’s comment, which was distributed by the Russian Embassy in the United States.
Some US lawmakers, such as South Carolina Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, have threatened to shoot down Russian planes in international airspace if they approach US planes.
Antonov also recalled that the Russian Defense Ministry explained in detail the reasons and the procedure for the actions of Russian pilots in the situation with an American drone over the Black Sea.
“I repeat for those who did not find the strength to take an objective look at the situation: our fighters did not come into contact with the American drone,” the diplomat said.
He explained that Russia had done everything to prevent such incidents, namely that it had provided the international community with full information on the limits of the temporary use of airspace during the special operation in Ukraine. .
“Of course, it’s a shame for the Pentagon to lose expensive equipment. But in this case, accusations of the US military’s lack of professionalism should be redirected to their address,” Antonov said.
Regarding Senator Graham’s statement, the diplomat noted that this was not the first attempt by a politician to create a dangerous escalation between Russia and the United States. A year earlier, Antonov recalls, he had also called on the Russians to massacre President Vladimir Putin.
The American Reaper MQ-9 drone fell in the waters of the Black Sea on March 14. According to the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, the aircraft was lost as a result of an unsuccessful maneuver. There were no attacks from the Russian air force.
