After an incident on Tuesday that was provoked by Russia and led to the destruction of a U.S. military drone over international waters, Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, reportedly suggested that the administration of President Joe Biden should begin shooting down Russian military aircraft.
“Well, we should hold them accountable and say that, ‘If you ever get near another U.S. asset flying in international waters, your airplane will be shot down.’ What would Ronald Reagan do right now? He would start shooting Russian planes down if they were threatening our assets. American foreign policy’s in free-fall.” Graham said after being asked how the U.S. should respond during an appearance with Fox News personality Sean Hannity.
“Weakness breeds provocation. They know they can get away with it. Mexico is blaming us for the fentanyl crisis and Joe Biden is like a deer in the headlights. He needs to up his game quickly. So President Biden, you’re the Rodney Dangerfield of world leaders. Nobody respects you. And if you don’t change your game and up your game, we’re gonna have World War III.” he continued.
The United States European Command said that two Russian fighter planes were harassing a $32 million unmanned MQ-9 Reaper drone over the Black Sea when one of the fighter jets cut the propeller of the drone, causing the United States to be forced to bring the drone down in the water.
In addition, according to the statement released by the United States European Command, both of the Russian Su-27s poured gasoline on top of the MQ-9 and flew in front of it in an irresponsible and ecologically harmful way.
According to the statement, the event was part of a pattern of harmful activities by Russian pilots when they were dealing with aircraft belonging to the United States and other allies over international airspace.
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