Russia warns the scenario is considered a declaration of war with Moscow

A Russian diplomat warned that a targeted attack on a Russian plane in international airspace would be seen as a declaration of war against Moscow.

Tass reported that Russian Ambassador to the US Anatoly Antonov said on March 15 that a deliberate attack on a Russian plane in international airspace would be a public declaration of war against the nuclear power. Russia does not seek confrontation, he asserted.

"The appeal of some (American) legislators has gone beyond common sense," Antonov said, referring to US Senator Lindsey Graham's warning.

Earlier, Graham told Fox News that Russia should be held responsible for the downing of a US MQ-9 unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) in the Black Sea after encountering a Moscow Su-27 fighter jet. The US Air Force on March 14 accused the Russian Su-27 fighters of "unprofessional actions" that led to the collision that caused the MQ-9 to crash.

"If the Russian plane gets close to the American plane in international waters, the Russian plane could be shot down," Graham warned.

Ambassador Antonov said: "The Russian Ministry of Defense has explained in detail the reasons and actions of the Russian pilots in yesterday's incident over the Black Sea. I repeat that Russia has done everything possible to prevent it. In this case, the US should redirect accusations of unprofessional conduct towards them."

Mr. Antonov said that Senator Graham's warning was dangerous and could provoke an escalation of tensions in relations between the two countries.

"A deliberate attack on a Russian plane in neutral airspace is not only a violation of international law, but also a public declaration of war against a nuclear power. An armed conflict between Russia and the United States will be completely different from a proxy war. Is the US Congress willing to put its citizens and the international community at risk of a full-blown nuclear conflict? Answer us, senator? doctor," warned Antonov, accusing the US of waging a war against Russia in Ukraine.

The Russian diplomat stated: "We are not looking for a conflict with a nuclear power. We will continue to maintain contact, including through the Ministry of Defense, to prevent unintended incidents. I want American politicians to have the same attitude in relation to Russia."

Earlier, the US European Command said that one of the two Russian Su-27 fighter jets collided with the drone's propeller, causing the MQ-9 to fall into the Black Sea.

The Russian Defense Ministry denied the US military's accusations that the MQ-9 Reaper crashed after colliding with a Moscow fighter. According to the agency, the US drone flew towards the Russian border without turning on the signal. Moscow considers this a violation of the restricted area zoned for military operations in Ukraine. At that time, Russia sent two fighter jets to investigate the incident.

"Due to a sudden turn, around 9:30 a.m. on March 14 Moscow time, the MQ-9 aircraft lost control and fell into the sea. The Russian fighter did not use weapons or collide with this UAV, and safely returned to the base," the Russian Defense Ministry said.

The MQ-9 Reaper is a reconnaissance drone designed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems. It is powered by a turbine engine and reaches speeds of more than 400 km/h. It is capable of carrying air-to-ground, air-to-air missiles and laser-guided bombs.

Russia warns the scenario is considered a declaration of war with Moscow

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