Shoigu told Austin that the cause of the incident was the actions of the American side, which does not comply with the flight restriction zone declared by Russia against the background of a special operation.
In addition, Shoigu pointed to the strengthening of US intelligence activities against Russian interests.
The Russian Defense Minister noted that the flights of American strategic drones near the coast of Crimea are provocative. This creates the prerequisites for the escalation of the situation in the Black Sea zone.
"The Russian Federation is not interested in such a development of events, but it will continue to respond to all provocations proportionately," the Defense Ministry said.
The ministry added that the major nuclear powers should act as responsibly as possible and maintain military channels of communication to discuss any crisis situations.