Russian Jet’s Collision With US Drone Part of ‘Pattern of Aggressive’ Actions: Austin

Contact Your Elected Officials
The Epoch Times Header

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin called Russia’s aggression toward a U.S. drone “reckless” in a March 15 meeting with the Tenth Ukraine Defense Contact Group.

Austin told the group that two Russian aircraft engaged in “dangerous, reckless, and unprofessional practices” over the Black Sea on March 14 when they dumped fuel on an unmanned U.S. MQ-9 aircraft conducting routine operations in international airspace.

The defense secretary said one jet also “intercepted and hit our MQ-9 aircraft, resulting in a crash,” in what he called a “hazardous episode” that “is part of a pattern of aggressive, risky, and unsafe actions by Russian pilots in international airspace.”

Austin said the attacks wouldn’t deter U.S. forces. “So make no mistake: The United States will continue to fly and to operate wherever international law allows.

“And it is incumbent upon Russia to operate its military aircraft in a safe and professional manner.”

The virtual meeting led by Austin comprised members from the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific, all of whom reaffirmed their commitment to support Ukraine’s defenders in the face of Russia’s ongoing invasion.

Later in his comments, Austin praised the bravery of Ukraine’s forces in defending their sovereignty, territory, and freedom.

He stressed the devastating effects of the conflict on Ukrainian civilians.

“Ukraine’s forces have been fighting bravely to defend their sovereignty, territory, and freedom,” Austin said.

“No Ukrainian should have to endure daily shelling. No Ukrainian parent should have to worry that their child’s school will be bombed. No nation should have to fight for its survival against a foreign invasion force that is leveling entire cities and towns.”

The secretary of defense asserted that the situation is considered the greatest threat to European security since the start of the Cold War and a direct attack on the rules-based international order.

Austin also praised the Ukrainian Armed Forces, saying they have achieved several victories on the battlefield while transforming into a strong, professional force.

He said the contact group remains committed to helping Ukraine by providing necessary resources.

By Savannah Hulsey Pointer

Read Full Article on TheEpochTimes.com

The Epoch Times
The Epoch Timeshttps://www.theepochtimes.com/
Tired of biased news? The Epoch Times is truthful, factual news that other media outlets don't report. No spin. No agenda. Just honest journalism like it used to be.

The Real Reason Why the Left is Unhinged

Nine out of thirteen of the original states required you to be a Bible believing Christian to serve in government at the time of the founding.

The Sacrificial Lambs of the Riyadh Standup Scene

Which is the greater injustice: jailing political dissidents, or millions dead from pharma crimes with no accountability for those responsible?

No Kings Exposes Odd Things!

The “No Kings” protests held around the nation are not grassroots spontaneous people’s protests but are highly organized events by paid provocateurs.

President Trump Needs Much Better Protection

President Trump faces threats from foreign adversaries and domestic radicals prone to violence, people suffering from severe “TDS.”

Science Has Finally Come For Transgenderism

British biologist Richard Dawkins said “trans women are men,” calling transgender ideology a movement that undermines biological truth.

Texas Appoints Higher Education Ombudsman to Enforce DEI Violations

Texas is moving to enforce bans on DEI practices in universities and potentially restrict college courses focused on gender and race.

House Judiciary Chair Refers Ex-CIA Director John Brennan for Criminal Prosecution

House Republicans referred ex-CIA Director John Brennan to AG Pam Bondi for prosecution over the 2016 probe into alleged Russian–Trump collusion.

FBI Has Arrested 28,000 Violent Criminals Since Jan. 20: Trump

President Trump praised the FBI for doing an “incredible job,” citing thousands of arrests and major disruptions of criminal activity nationwide.

White House Ballroom Project Breaks Ground

Demolition began Oct. 20 on the White House East Wing to make room for Trump’s planned ballroom, with parts of the structure already removed.

Trump Calls off Meeting With Putin, White House Says

White House says Secretary Rubio and Russia’s Lavrov had a productive call; no further meetings or Trump-Putin talks are planned soon.

President Signs Rare Earth Agreement With Australia’s PM

President Trump hosted Australian PM Albanese at the White House, where both leaders signed a new agreement on rare earth mineral cooperation.

Trump Says Insurrection Act Is ‘Strongest Power a President Has’

President Trump detailed plans to invoke the Insurrection Act to address rampant crime, calling it the “strongest power a president has.”

Army Corps of Engineers to Pause $11 Billion in Projects During Shutdown: Vought

Russ Vought, director of the White House’s OMB, has added to the growing pile of federal projects paused during the government shutdown.
spot_img

Related Articles

Popular Categories

MAGA Business Central