“The reasons for the incident were the United States’ non-compliance with the no-fly zone declared by Russia, which was established as a result of conducting a special military operation (in Ukraine), and increased intelligence activities against Russia’s interests. Russian Minister Sergei Shoigu said in a statement released by his ministry on Wednesday.

“The flights of strategic US drones near Crimea are provocative in nature, creating conditions for escalation in the Black Sea,” Shoigu continued in the press release after speaking with his US counterpart, Lloyd Austin, on the phone.

“Russia does not want the development of such events, but will now respond proportionately to any provocation,” the ministry added, adding that “major nuclear powers should act as responsibly as possible, especially by keeping communication channels open to discuss any crisis situation.” .’

In a separate statement, the Russian Defense Ministry said Chief of Staff Valery Gerasimov spoke by phone with his US counterpart Mark Milley on Wednesday, without providing further details. According to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, the US “ignored” airspace restrictions imposed by Russia in the region.

Russia’s ambassador to the US said it had warned Washington to stay out of Russian territorial waters. “We will no longer allow anyone to violate our waters,” Russian state news agency Tass quoted the diplomat as saying.

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According to Washington, a US Reaper MQ-9 drone went down in the international waters of the Black Sea on Tuesday after being hit by a Russian warplane. Moscow admits the drone was intercepted by its warplanes, but denies any involvement leading to the crash.

According to US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, in a conversation with Shoigu, he indicated that the US would continue to fly where it is permitted under international law. Russia must operate its military aircraft in a safe and professional manner.

Chief of Staff Mark Milley said Wednesday that it was not yet clear whether the collision was intentional. According to him, it is clear that Russia would have deliberately blocked the drone. According to him, the incident fits Moscow’s “increasingly aggressive behavior”.

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken would only say that an investigation into the incident is ongoing. He said he could not make any statement about possible motive or possible motive. “It was a reckless and unsafe incident, but we need to investigate further,” the minister said. A spokesman for the ministry said there may be an “accidental action by Russia”.

The conflict took place in international airspace near territory of Ukraine, which Russia claims to have annexed. According to the Americans, the drone was on a routine surveillance flight. The drone was suddenly attacked by a Russian fighter jet. Russia has claimed no responsibility for the accident.