The collision of an American MQ-9 drone and a Russian fighter jet has sparked concerns about an escalation between the United States and Russia as we continue aiding Ukraine.
Representative Matt Gaetz (R-FL) expresses this troubling sentiment in a recent statement, saying this is precisely why the U.S. must seek to end the conflict and our involvement. "With today’s loss of a U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drone in the Black Sea, we are once again reminded of the treacherous reality of our involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war," Rep. Gaetz says.
"With today’s loss of a U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drone in the Black Sea, we are once again reminded of the treacherous reality of our involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war. The United States of America has already been depleted of more than $100 Billion for aid to Ukraine. Now, we’re losing precious American technology worth hundreds of millions of dollars like the MQ-9 Reaper. It is impossible to ignore the dire risk of total war with Russia as we teeter on the precipice of direct conflict. I am once again calling on Joe Biden to end our involvement in this war before the counting of lost dollars in this conflict becomes the counting of dead Americans in Ukraine," he added.
With today’s loss of a U.S. Air Force MQ-9 Reaper drone in the Black Sea, we are once again reminded of the treacherous reality of our involvement in the Russia-Ukraine war.
The United States of America has already been depleted of more than $100 Billion for aid to Ukraine.… https://t.co/94Sak7cm1j
— Rep. Matt Gaetz (@RepMattGaetz) March 14, 2023
In a statement, Air Force General James Hecker said the MQ-9 was conducting routine operations when two Russian jets attempted to intercept or destroy the drone. However, Gen. Hecker notes this was "unsafe and unprofessional," forcing the drone to crash into the Black Sea. "Our MQ-9 aircraft was conducting routine operations in international airspace when it was intercepted and hit by a Russian aircraft, resulting in a crash and complete loss of the MQ-9," Gen. Hecker stated.
"Our MQ-9 aircraft was conducting routine operations in international airspace when it was intercepted and hit by a Russian aircraft, resulting in a crash and complete loss of the MQ-9. In fact, this unsafe and unprofessional act by the Russians nearly caused both aircraft to crash," he added.
Rep. Gaetz has long been skeptical of sending American funds to Ukraine due to its history of corruption.
Russia contends that its fighter jet clipped the drone due to "sharp maneuvering."
