According to Moscow, the Russian defense minister met with the head of the Pentagon on Wednesday to discuss an incident involving a drone and claim that it was caused by “increased” intelligence collection by the United States against Russia.
On Tuesday, the United States accused Russia of bringing down one of its Reaper intelligence drones over the Black Sea by causing it to collide with a Russian Su-27 warplane. The incident allegedly occurred over the sea.
Russia has denied allegations that it took intentional action to bring down the drone.
It was the first incident of its kind to occur between Moscow and Washington since February of 2022, when President Vladimir Putin sent soldiers to Ukraine.
On Wednesday, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu told US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin that “increased intelligence activities against the interests of the Russian Federation” and “non-compliance with the restricted flight zone” declared by Moscow due to its campaign in Ukraine had led to the incident, the defence ministry said in a statement.
The Russian government has issued a warning that it will respond “proportionately” to any “provocations” made by the United States in the future.
“Flights of American strategic unmanned aerial vehicles off the coast of Crimea are provocative in nature and create pre-conditions for an escalation of the situation in the Black Sea zone,” the ministry said. “This creates pre-conditions for an escalation of the situation in the Black Sea zone.”
“An event of this nature is not in Russia’s interest, but the country will continue to respond proportionately to any and all provocations.”
According to a distinct statement released by the Russian defense ministry, Valery Gerasimov, the head of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, recently spoke with Mark Milley, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the United States.
