Fuel was dumped on the drone before the collision

 
U.S. officials familiar with the Russian drone strike say the order to act came from the “highest levels of the Kremlin.”

The U.S. military believes the incident happened on Tuesday morning and the confrontation lasted around 30 to 40 minutes.

Russia reportedly dumped fuel on the drone several times before the collision.

Moscow now says it is trying to retrieve the remnants of the U.S. drone that crashed into the Black Sea.

The MQ-9 Reaper drone plunged into the water after a Russian jet clipped its propeller.

Moscow is continuing to deny these claims.

Russia’s security council secretary confirmed the nation is now attempting to find the aircraft.

He also says the drone’s presence in the Black Sea is “confirmation” the U.S. is supporting Ukraine in the war.

In Washington, John Kirby says the U.S. is also searching for the aircraft, but stressed if Russia beats them to it, “their ability to exploit useful intelligence will be highly minimised”.

“We took steps to protect information and any efforts to exploit the drone,” Kirby added.

U.S. military officials believe the incident happened on Tuesday morning and the confrontation lasted around 30 to 40 minutes.

Russia reportedly dumped fuel on the drone several times before the collision.

When it comes to retaliation, General Mark Milley says, clearly, the U.S. “does not seek armed conflict with Russia.”

“We should continue to investigate the incident and move on from there,” Milley outlined.

When it comes to future operations, Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin says Washington will continue to fly its aircraft where international law allows.

“The United States will continue to fly and operate wherever international law allows,” Austin pointed out.

“It is incumbent upon Russia to operate in a safe and professional manner.”