Russia-Ukraine battle information: U.S. investigating MQ-9 drone downing in Black Sea

The United States is investigating the downing of a U.S. surveillance MQ-9 Reaper drone over the Black Sea after a run-in with Russian warplanes, whereas the Kremlin stated it could attempt to retrieve the wreckage.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken advised reporters Wednesday on a visit to Ethiopia that the United States is wanting into the incident, the primary identified altercation between U.S. and Russian forces because the battle in Ukraine started. “We’ll be in close coordination with allies and partners at the conclusion of the investigation,” Blinken stated. “I can’t speak at this point to the motive or to intent.” Tensions have been rising since two Russian fighter jets approached a U.S. surveillance drone within the Black Sea that was launched from Romania, first dumping gas on it and later colliding with the propeller on the drone’s rear, U.S. officers stated. Blinken referred to as it a “reckless and unsafe action.”