US drones over the Black Sea "provoke" Russia
Russia has been losing numerous ships from its Black Sea fleet due to Ukrainian attacks since the beginning of its offensive war in 2022. The USA are believed to have helped with drone reconnaissance in this regard. Now, Moscow is warning of an escalation.
Russia, due to increased US drone flights over the Black Sea, has warned of a "direct confrontation" with NATO countries. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the number of US drone flights over the disputed sea area has recently increased. "These flights increase the likelihood of encounters between Russian air and space forces, raising the risk of a direct confrontation between the alliance and Russia," the ministry stated.
The increased number of US drone flights also shows "the growing involvement of the United States and NATO countries in the conflict in Ukraine," it was further stated. Washington is using the flights to spy on Russian targets for the precision weapons provided by their Western Ukraine partners, the Defense Ministry explained.
Flights according to Washington in neutral airspace
Defense Minister Andrey Belousov has ordered the army to prepare "proposals for operational responses to provocations." The regular US drone flights over the Black Sea, according to Washington, take place in neutral airspace and in accordance with international law.
Russia also held the USA responsible for a supposed Ukrainian rocket attack on the Crimea on Sunday. Four people were reportedly killed by the impact, according to Russian reports.
Russia has lost numerous ships from its Black Sea fleet due to Ukrainian drone attacks since the beginning of the conflict in 2022. Through these attacks, Ukraine was able to establish a sea corridor for wheat export.
The escalating tensions in the Black Sea are linked to Russia's claims of an increase in US drone flights, which they believe are spying on Russian targets with the aid of weapons provided by Western Ukraine partners. Moscow has voiced concerns, stating that these flights increase the risk of a direct confrontation between Russia and NATO countries. The conflict in Ukraine, with Ukraine conducting drone attacks on Russian ships in the Black Sea, has also resulted in significant losses for Russia's Black Sea fleet.
