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 reportedly aiding in reconnaissance with drones. 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 defense 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 Western partners to Ukraine, 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 many ships from its Black Sea fleet to Ukrainian drone attacks since the beginning of the conflict in 2022. Through these attacks, Ukraine was able to establish a maritime corridor for wheat export.
The escalating drone flights by the USA over the Black Sea, as acknowledged by Washington, are adding fuel to Moscow's concerns of a potential direct conflict with NATO countries. These flights, taking place in neutral airspace, are a point of contention, with Russia viewing them as a threat to its security.
The increased use of drones by Ukraine in its attacks on Russia's Black Sea fleet has significantly shifted the dynamics of the ongoing conflict. Not only has Ukraine successfully defended its territory but also created a maritime corridor for wheat export.
The politics surrounding the Black Sea and the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine have led to the involvement of external forces, such as the USA, in the form of drone reconnaissance missions and precision weapon provision. This external intervention has heightened tensions and raised the likelihood of greater conflicts in the region.
