Russia rewards pilots who shot down US drone in Black Sea

In a statement from the Russian Defense Ministry, it was said that Shoigu awarded the “gold star” and “courage” to soldiers who successfully fulfilled their duties in the “special military operation” in Ukraine.

In the statement, “the pilots of the Su-27 aircraft, who prevented the US MQ-9 type UAV from violating the declared temporary status area boundaries due to a special military operation, were awarded the Order of Valor ”. expressions were used.

In pictures released by the ministry, Shoigu was seen wearing an engagement ring with both pilots.

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The US European Forces Command (EUCOM) announced on March 14 that two Russian Su-27 aircraft harassed the US MQ-9 type UAV in the Black Sea, and the MQ-9 crashed in international waters when one of the planes crashed.

The Russian Defense Ministry, for its part, announced that the US MQ-9 type UAV violated the temporary status area, which was notified to all airspace users, in accordance with international standards, due to a “special military operation” in Ukraine. .

Russian Defense Minister Shoigu and US Defense Minister Lloyd Austin spoke by phone about the downing of the UAV on March 15. (AA)