tensions between the United States and Russia after the fall of an American drone in the Black Sea

The drone crashed in the middle of the Black Sea. The US military is actively searching for its wreckage and as a precaution, has remotely grilled all of its sensitive software. On Tuesday March 14, an MQ-9 Reaper was intercepted by two Russian fighters over the international waters of the Black Sea. A maneuver that led to a mid-air collision, prompting severe judgment from the Pentagon. “This incident demonstrates a lack of skills of Russian pilots. It is dangerous and unprofessional”said General Patrick Ryder, spokesman for the Pentagon.

Russia hits back at US allegations

According to the US defense, one of the Russian fighters came up from behind and dropped kerosene on the drone, perhaps in an attempt to shut down its engine, before coming up too fast and hitting it. One of Vladimir Putin’s closest advisers justified the incident. “Americans always say they don’t participate in military actions, but this is further proof that they directly participate in these actions in the war”testified Nikolai Patrushev, secretary of the Security Council of Russia.

This is not the first time that such interceptions have occurred between NATO and the Russian Air Force.