Pentagon Chief Calls on Russia to Fly Professionally

Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin has called on Russian military aviation to fly "safely and professionally" following an incident involving a drone over the Black Sea. He also assured that U.S. armed forces will continue to operate wherever international law permits.

"Do not be under any illusions. The U.S. will continue to fly and operate wherever international law allows. Russia should use its military aircraft safely and professionally," Austin stated while opening the latest meeting of donor countries for military assistance to Ukraine.

Earlier, John Kirby, the Coordinator for Strategic Communications at the National Security Council, expressed uncertainty about the ability of the U.S. to retrieve debris from the drone in the Black Sea. The U.S. Department of Defense reported that Russian SU-27s intercepted an MQ-9 Reaper reconnaissance drone in international airspace, with one of the aircraft striking the drone's wing, damaging its propeller. The drone was ultimately downed by U.S. forces.