Sergey Stankevich
Russian Defense Minister Andrei Belousov instructed the General Staff to take rapid response measures in response to hostile actions of American drones over the Black Sea.
This was stated by the Russian Ministry of Defense. They believe that these drones provide guidance to the Ukrainian Armed Forces for attacks on Russian territory and facilities. This indicates the increasing involvement of the United States and NATO countries in the conflict, the report said. How exactly Moscow will be able to react and with what consequences is not yet clear.
In March 2023, the American reconnaissance and attack UAV Reaper went to the bottom of the Black Sea after it was knocked over by a jet stream from a nearby Russian fighter. The pilots later received the award.
However, to carry out this operation systematically means to essentially engage in hostilities with the American Air Force. And it is hardly possible at all to bring down a huge Global Hawk UAV using an air jet. Kinetic action will be required. Apparently, the two secretaries of defense discussed this topic during a call from Lloyd Austin to Alexei Belousov on June 25, 2024. For some time, there was a pause in the operations of US UAVs near the waters of Crimea.
But on June 28, the Pentagon confirmed its intention to continue actions over the Black Sea, citing its right to operate in international waters in accordance with international law. Thus, the risk of direct military confrontation between the Russian Federation and the United States remains and is aggravated.
Lucy Dickerson
