Ajit Karn
Washington: Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin declared on Wednesday that U.S. aircraft will fly “wherever international law permits” and cautioned Russia to operate cautiously after one of its jets purportedly shot down an American drone.
Austin made the statement immediately after speaking on the phone with his Russian counterpart Sergei Shoigu regarding Tuesday’s incident over the Black Sea, in which two Russian fighters purportedly harassed an unmanned US surveillance drone and damaged its propeller, causing it to crash into the water.
The United States described the incident as “reckless” and “unprofessional,” while Russia refuted responsibility and accused the United States of “hostile” flights in the region.
“The United States will continue to fly and operate wherever international law permits,” Austin told reporters immediately after his conversation with Shoigu.
And it is Russia’s responsibility to operate its military aircraft safely and professionally, he said.
Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley stated that the Pentagon is still analysing drone video and data to determine precisely what transpired.
“Was it deliberate or not? — not yet known “He told the press.
“We are aware that the interception was deliberate. We are aware that the aggressive behaviour was deliberate, as well as extremely unprofessional and dangerous “Milley said.
“The actual physical contact between the Russian fixed-wing fighter and our UAV is uncertain at this time.”
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After more than a year of the Ukraine conflict during which direct communication between senior US and Russian defence officials has been exceedingly rare, Austin expressed appreciation for the call.
He said, “We consider any potential for escalation very seriously, which is why I believe it’s essential to keep the lines of communication open.”
“I believe it is crucial that we can take up the phone and communicate with one another. And I believe this will help prevent future errors in estimation.”
