Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov said Washington's decision to continue flying over the Black Sea is pushing Russia to take confrontational measures, warning Washington not to test Moscow's patience.
Ryabkov said that Russia's security will be ensured by all available means, adding that the United States shows every day the desire to follow the path of escalation, calling this path very dangerous, and pointed out that the United States is already directly involved in the conflict in Ukraine.
The Russian official warned that members of the U.S. Congress demanding the supply of cluster munitions to Kiev are unaware of the potential consequences for NATO.
On March 14, the Pentagon announced the loss of an MQ-9 after a Russian fighter exercise over the Black Sea.
US Department of Defense spokesman Brigadier General Pat Ryder noted that US forces continue their operations over the Black Sea and fly in international airspace in accordance with international law.
However, Dmitry Medvedev, deputy head of Russia's Security Council, said drone movement in airspace, which is part of Russia's territory and sovereignty, should be tracked.
Medvedev added – in a post on Telegram – that the Americans have completely lost their minds, and that harmony with them is wrong, despite the need for military contacts, as he put it, and explained that the Americans withdrew from the Open Skies Treaty, which gave the right to military inspection.