French Reaper Drone Target of Russian Intimidation, Defence Minister Says
A French Reaper drone on a surveillance mission in international airspace over the eastern Mediterranean was the target of intimidation by a Russian SU-35 fighter jet, France's Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu said on Tuesday. The incident reflects growing tensions between Western nations and Russia amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, as European countries seek to bolster their defence capabilities. France has vowed to defend freedom of navigation in international airspace.
- This incident highlights the increasing importance of international norms and rules governing air and maritime traffic, which are critical for maintaining global stability.
- How will the Western powers' response to this escalation impact Russia's overall strategy in the region and its relationships with European countries?