Russian Defense Ministry Warns of War Risk with NATO Amid Increased US Drone Activity Over Black Sea

 The Russian Defense Ministry has announced an increased risk of conflict with NATO due to the United States' escalation of strategic drone operations over the Black Sea. These operations aim to monitor and target precision weapons supplied to Ukraine’s armed forces.

“This highlights the growing involvement of the US and NATO in the Ukraine conflict, siding with the Kyiv regime. Such flights significantly heighten the likelihood of airspace incidents with Russian Aerospace Forces aircraft, escalating the risk of a direct confrontation between the alliance and Russia. NATO countries will bear responsibility for this,” the ministry stated.

In response, Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov has instructed the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces to prepare proposals for swift actions against what they term US “provocations” involving drone flights over the Black Sea.

Recently, the skies over the Black Sea have been quieter, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense, which has not reported any US drones in the area for several months. However, activity ramped up on June 23 when RIA Novosti, using data from Flightradar24, revealed an American RQ-4B Global Hawk reconnaissance drone flying over the Black Sea during a missile attack on Sevastopol. The Russian Defense Ministry believes that American specialists operated long-range ATACMS missiles during this attack, using gathered intelligence.

On June 24, Russian Telegram channels, including Fighterbomber, reported that a US Global Hawk drone had been shot down over the Black Sea. Despite these reports, neither US nor Russian officials have officially confirmed this, and the Kremlin has refrained from commenting.

In March 2023, an incident involving a US MQ-9 Reaper drone crashing into the Black Sea made headlines. According to the US European Command, the drone was on a routine mission when intercepted by a Russian aircraft, leading to a mid-air collision. The Russian Defense Ministry countered this by denying any contact between their fighter jet and the drone, citing a violation of airspace rules instead.

Following the incident, Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin affirmed that the United States would maintain its flight operations wherever international law permits. He also emphasized that Russian military aircraft must conduct themselves safely and professionally.

Pentagon Clarifies Sevastopol Beach Not Targeted in Ukrainian Attack on Crimea

 

Pentagon spokesman John F. Kirby clarified that the Ukrainian attack on Crimea on June 23 was not intended to target Sevastopol’s beach, where civilians were caught in the crossfire. According to BulgarianMilitary.com, Ukraine launched an assault on the Crimean Peninsula that day. The Russian Federation reported over 100 injuries and five fatalities, including two children, due to the incident.

While initial reports suggested that Ukraine used five ATACMS missiles and drones, there is no conclusive evidence that ATACMS missiles were actually deployed. Debris found at the scene appears to be from a 9M330 air defense missile of Soviet/Russian origin, but the authenticity of these images is unverified.

The Russian Defense Ministry claimed that air defense systems intercepted four US-supplied ATACMS missiles, but debris from a fifth missile caused civilian casualties. RIA Novosti's inquiries about the ammunition type used were deflected to Ukrainian authorities for confirmation.

Kirby noted that the Ukrainian military independently selects its targets. He explained that a Ukrainian missile aimed at a military site in Crimea was intercepted by a Russian missile, with shrapnel falling on a nearby beach and injuring civilians. Video evidence suggests multiple shrapnel pieces rather than a single fragment, which contrasts with Russian claims of cluster submunitions from an ATACMS missile.

US Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene suggested on social media that the civilian casualties were caused by Ukrainian cluster munitions, criticizing US military aid to Ukraine. She emphasized the importance of defending US borders instead of involving in foreign conflicts.

The Russian Ministry of Defense asserted that the responsibility for the attack lies with Washington, which supplied the weapons, and the Kyiv regime, from whose territory the strike was launched. They reported that four ATACMS missiles were intercepted by air defenses, but the fifth missile’s mid-air explosion caused civilian casualties.

The ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile System) is a US-developed surface-to-surface missile designed for precise deep-strike attacks against critical targets. It is launched from the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) and the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). The missile, approximately 13 feet long and weighing around 3,690 pounds, is capable of reaching speeds up to Mach 3 and has a range of up to 300 kilometers.

The ATACMS can be equipped with unitary warheads for precision strikes or cluster munitions for area denial and anti-personnel purposes. The Soviet/Russian S-300 series, specifically the S-300V system, is capable of intercepting such missiles, featuring advanced radar systems and interceptor missiles to engage various aerial threats.

Russia Claims to Shoot Down US Global Hawk Drone Over Black Sea

 

After Russia blamed the United States for a Ukrainian ATACMS missile strike on Crimea, which resulted in civilian casualties, claims emerged on social media suggesting that Russian forces had shot down a US RQ-4B Global Hawk Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) over the Black Sea.

Prominent Russian military bloggers, including Fighterbomber, which reportedly has close Kremlin ties, shared these claims. They asserted on Telegram that a Russian MiG-31 interceptor had downed a US RQ-4B UAV over the Black Sea. Some bloggers even mentioned that Russian President Vladimir Putin praised the pilot responsible for the mission.

The Fighterbomber channel stated, “If [the Americans] fly again, it means they are prepared for the loss of a Global Hawk (or even more than one).”

However, these claims lack concrete evidence. The Kremlin has not acknowledged the rumors, and neither the Ukrainian Armed Forces nor the US military has commented on them.

The claims have generated significant discussion among Ukrainian military bloggers and open-source intelligence accounts tracking the ongoing conflict. A popular account expressed skepticism, noting, “If an interception or attack on a Global Hawk happened, we would likely see a video from the Russian Ministry of Defense.”

 Kyiv-based security analyst Jimmy Rushton wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that no such incident occurred over the Black Sea and that the pro-Russian accounts’ claims were fake news. As of this report, the US Department of Defense (DoD) had not commented on these developments.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian military bloggers reported that the drone in question returned to its base unharmed.

These claims followed the Kremlin's accusation that the United States was responsible for a Ukrainian ATACMS missile attack on Crimea, which resulted in at least four deaths and 151 injuries. Moscow officially warned the American ambassador of impending retaliation.

The Russian Defense Ministry stated, “All flight missions for the American ATACMS operational-tactical missiles are planned by American specialists using US satellite reconnaissance data. Therefore, responsibility for the deliberate missile attack on civilians in Sevastopol primarily lies with Washington, which supplied these weapons to Ukraine, as well as the Kyiv regime, from whose territory this attack was launched.”

While the Russian MoD did not directly link the ATACMS attack to the RQ-4B UAV, Russian media suggested that the US reconnaissance drone circled over the Black Sea during the Ukrainian attack on Sevastopol. These reports, based on Flightradar flight tracking data, indicated that the Global Hawk might have supported Ukrainian troops during the attack, raising fears of escalating tensions between the Cold War rivals.

The incident echoes a previous event where Russian fighter jets dumped fuel over an MQ-9 Reaper drone over the Black Sea, causing it to lose control and crash into the sea.

The Global Hawk is an advanced aerial reconnaissance system that operates at high altitudes for extended periods, controlled remotely without an onboard crew and unarmed. It has a history of numerous missions across various conflict zones. Equipped with integrated sensors and cameras, it can continuously capture high-resolution images of large areas, day or night, and in all weather conditions. According to manufacturer Northrop Grumman, the Global Hawk can detect targets over 340 miles away from its 60,000-foot operating altitude.

The drone complements manned and space reconnaissance systems by providing continuous, near-real-time coverage using imagery intelligence (IMINT) and signals intelligence (SIGINT) sensors. The precise range of its cameras and sensors remains classified.

The MQ-4A variant of the Global Hawk was shot down by Iranian forces in June 2023 while flying over the Strait of Hormuz, leading to a statement from Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) that the UAV had breached Iranian airspace, sending a “clear message to America.”

The Global Hawk has been extensively used by US forces for sophisticated military operations and has been sold to countries like South Korea and Japan for enhanced surveillance and reconnaissance.

The drone played a critical role in Operation ‘Inherent Resolve’ against the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), providing real-time imagery and signals intelligence to help commanders make crucial decisions, distinguish between friendly and enemy forces, identify long-term targets, and monitor hostile equipment movements.

Recently, the US Air Force deployed RQ-4 Global Hawks to a base in Japan as part of a rotational deployment strategy to support sustained operations in the region and maintain a “free and open Indo-Pacific region.”

Russia has frequently noted how NATO and US aircraft, such as the RC-135 Rivet, RQ-4B Global Hawk drone, and the E-8 Joint STARS reconnaissance aircraft, fly around Ukraine’s coast and the Black Sea to support Kyiv’s military operations.

The Global Hawk was reportedly involved in the October 2022 maritime drone strike on the Russian Navy’s Black Sea Fleet in Crimea’s Sevastopol. Russian forces have cited the drone's involvement in several such Ukrainian operations.

Moscow is using the ATACMS attack to strengthen its argument that it is fighting a proxy war against the West, questioning Washington’s intentions.

Russia Intensifies Air Strikes on Ukrainian Airfields Amid Arrival of F-16 Fighter Jets

 

As Ukraine prepares to receive its first F-16 fighter jets, there has been an increase in Russian air strikes targeting Ukrainian airfields. These strikes appear to be Moscow’s attempt to disrupt Kyiv’s infrastructure needed to operate the F-16s.

Reports on social media suggest that on June 22, the Russian Black Sea Fleet attacked Ukrainian infrastructure, including the Vasilkov airfield near Kyiv, using sea-launched Kalibr cruise missiles. A video on Platform X (formerly Twitter) showed at least four missiles in flight. Photos on social media later depicted the alleged destruction caused by the attack. Pro-Russian military bloggers made these claims, but the Ukrainian Armed Forces have not commented.

Military analysts suggest the strategy aims to weaken the Ukrainian Air Force by destroying potential F-16 bases. If accurate, this would be the second strike on Vasilkov this month. Earlier reports indicated an oil depot at the airfield was targeted, causing a fire visible from space.

Previously, Russia also launched missile strikes on Starokostyantyniv in the Khmelnytsky area, another potential F-16 base. Russia has threatened to strike any Ukrainian airfield housing the F-16s, most of which are within the range of Russian missiles. Ukraine has announced plans to station some F-16s on NATO territory to safeguard them from attacks.

Ukraine is set to receive F-16s from Denmark in the coming weeks, with additional pledges from the Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium. Some donor countries have suggested using the jets for strikes inside Russia, heightening Kremlin concerns.

While facing relentless Russian air strikes, Ukraine has been targeting Russian air defenses in preparation for the F-16s’ arrival. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) noted Ukraine’s efforts to degrade Russian air defenses to enable effective use of manned aircraft. Recent Ukrainian actions have targeted key Russian air defense systems, including modern systems like the S-400, which were hit by Ukrainian drones.

The S-300/S-400 air defense systems and Su-57 fighters are vital for Russia to restrict Ukrainian air operations and support its offensive. Kyiv has strategically targeted these platforms as both sides engage in intense aerial strikes.

On June 23, Russian authorities reported that Ukrainian drone and missile attacks on Crimea resulted in six deaths and over 100 injuries. Russia blamed both the United States and Ukraine, claiming the attack involved US-provided ATACMS missiles. Russian air defenses reportedly shot down 33 Ukrainian drones over Bryansk, Smolensk, Lipetsk, and Tula.

Additionally, reports suggest Ukraine attacked a Russian warehouse used for launching and training with Iranian-made drones. Satellite images confirmed the destruction of facilities in the Krasnodar Territory on June 21.

Russia has also increased the use of guided bombs on Ukrainian territory, with recent attacks in Kharkiv resulting in multiple fatalities. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on allies to strengthen Ukraine’s air defenses, emphasizing the need for modern systems like Patriots, accelerated pilot training for F-16s, and extended weapon range.

Over the weekend, Russia targeted Ukraine’s power infrastructure, marking the ninth attack on energy installations in three months, according to Ukraine’s energy ministry.

ATACMS with Cluster Warheads Breaches Russia's S-500 Defense in Sevastopol Attack, Escalates US-Russia Tensions

 

Tensions between Russia and the United States have sharply increased following a significant missile strike on Sevastopol, Crimea, on June 23, resulting in four deaths, including two children, and about 150 injuries from missile debris falling on a nearby beach. Russian officials assert that the missiles were US-supplied ATACMS.

The Russian defense ministry stated that the ATACMS missiles, capable of hitting targets up to 300km away, were responsible for the attack. The incident has led to chaotic scenes in the Uchkuyevka area, with beachgoers fleeing and injured individuals being assisted.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov condemned the strike as “barbaric,” accusing the US of "killing Russian children" and supporting Kyiv in committing acts of international terrorism. He emphasized the US involvement, claiming that all ATACMS are programmed and guided by American specialists.

The Russian defense ministry reported intercepting five cluster warhead-loaded missiles launched by Ukrainian forces. Despite this, significant casualties and damage occurred due to falling debris. Additionally, an American UAV, the Global Hawk, was reportedly present over the Black Sea during the attack, further implicating US involvement.

ATACMS are ground-launched ballistic missiles that travel at speeds up to 2,300 mph, making them challenging to intercept. Upon launch, Russia’s radar systems activate, but the missile's speed leaves only about three minutes to respond, straining air defense units.

The US approved sending Ukraine its first batch of ATACMS with a 165 km range in October. In March, a long-range version capable of hitting targets up to 300 km away was sent. These missiles have significantly impacted Russian targets in Crimea since their first use in April.

In mid-May, a major ATACMS attack on a Russian base in Belbek, Crimea, destroyed an S-400 radar and two launchers. Analysts report substantial Russian losses, including command posts, radars, and launchers.

Russian military expert Vasily Dandykin acknowledged the effectiveness of ATACMS, emphasizing the need for improved air defenses and preemptive strikes on Ukrainian missile systems.

Meanwhile, the Kyiv Post reported that ATACMS breached Russia's S-500 air defense system for the first time, indicating a significant escalation in the conflict and highlighting the missile's capability to penetrate Russia’s most advanced defenses.

Ukraine Strikes Russian Su-34s: Drone Attack on Morozovsk Airfield 250km Behind Frontlines

 

On June 14, satellite images confirmed a successful drone strike by the Ukrainian Armed Forces on Morozovsk Airfield in Russia’s Rostov region, about 250 kilometers from the frontlines. The attack, which occurred on June 13, highlights the airfield's crucial role in supporting Russian Air Force operations in Ukraine, particularly as a base for Su-34 strike fighters.

The extent of the damage remains uncertain, but initial reports suggest no aircraft were destroyed. The vulnerability of Russian airbases to drone strikes is a growing concern, indicating potential for more frequent attacks due to limited air defense capabilities.

Ukraine’s ability to target key Russian sites has been significantly bolstered by American ATACMS ballistic missiles and support from Western specialists, NATO satellite networks, and air surveillance data. In mid-May, ATACMS missiles were used to strike Russia’s Belbek Air Base in Crimea, destroying two MiG-31 interceptors. Additionally, a drone attack targeted a Voronezh-DM radar system in Armavir, a critical component of Russia’s defense against Western missile threats.

In response, the U.S. has eased restrictions on Ukrainian operations, allowing deeper strikes within Russia using American weaponry. Consequently, Russia deployed an S-500 system in June to enhance its missile defense capabilities.

Ukraine's increased focus on drone and missile strikes comes amid ground setbacks and heavy casualties, allowing the Russian Army to gain territory since late 2022. The drone strike on Morozovsk Airport, targeting Su-34s, seems to be retaliation for Russian airstrikes on June 12, which hit a Ukrainian command post in the Northern Military District zone using high-explosive aviation bombs with precision modules.

On June 13, Russian media shared images of a pontoon crossing over the Pecheneg Dam in Kharkiv Oblast, destroyed by a Su-34 strike using a Kh-38MLE missile. The attack submerged several sections of the crossing, with footage capturing two Ukrainian military trucks approaching just before the missile hit.

The bridge in Stari Saltov across the Seversky Donets has been a repeated target, initially destroyed early in the conflict and rebuilt by Ukrainian engineers. This continued targeting underscores the strategic importance of these crossings in the ongoing conflict.

On February 21, 2022, Russia claimed a border facility attack by Ukrainian forces, which Ukraine denied as false flags. That same day, Russia recognized the self-proclaimed areas of DPR and LPR, and subsequently, Putin sent military forces into these regions. This action escalated on February 24, 2022, with Putin launching a full-scale assault on Ukraine, labeled as a "special military operation" by Russia.

Despite rumors, the U.S. may not provide Ukraine with ATACMS missiles with a 300km range, maintaining the focus on current support measures.

Russia Issues Nuclear Threats if NATO-Backed F-16s Strike Within Its Borders

 

As NATO's support for Ukraine grows, Russia has issued a stark warning to "small countries with dense populations" about the potential for nuclear retaliation if F-16 jets hit targets inside Russia. This follows comments from the Dutch Foreign Minister suggesting that F-16 fighters from the Netherlands could be used for such strikes.

On May 31, Dutch Foreign Minister Hanke Bruins Slot stated that the Netherlands would not object if Ukraine used the supplied F-16 fighter jets to strike Russian targets in self-defense. "If you have the right to self-defense, there are no borders for the use of weapons. This is a general principle," Bruins Slot said during an informal NATO foreign ministers' meeting in Prague.

Denmark has taken a similar stance, with Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen noting that it is fair for Ukraine to use Danish-supplied F-16s to target military objectives within Russia. Rasmussen emphasized that Ukraine was not given carte blanche to invade Russia but to target military installations strategically.

Ukraine is set to receive F-16s from Denmark, the Netherlands, Norway, and Belgium, with the United States approving the transfer. However, Washington's approval may be needed for combat operations targeting Russian territory, as these fighters were originally sold by the US.

Social media is abuzz with speculation that F-16s will soon strike Russia, despite no official acknowledgment from the Pentagon. Pro-Ukraine bloggers and analysts express widespread jubilation over this possibility. The statements from Dutch and Danish officials reflect a growing consensus within NATO to allow Ukraine to target Russian territory with Western-supplied weapons.

Recent indications suggest that the US may have permitted Ukraine to use American munitions to strike Russia, with President Joe Biden authorizing such strikes near Kharkiv. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed this on May 31, noting that the US would "adapt and adjust" to future Ukrainian requests for strikes within Russia.

Blinken did not specify if F-16s could be used for these strikes. The Biden Administration has so far refrained from allowing Ukraine to use long-range Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) to hit Russian targets. Other NATO allies, including France and Germany, have also authorized strikes within Russian territory, led by French President Emmanuel Macron's support for Kyiv's right to neutralize Russian military bases launching attacks into Ukraine.

These decisions come amid Ukrainian leaders' claims that restrictions on their use of weapons have allowed Russia to attack with impunity. Russia has responded with strong warnings, emphasizing its nuclear capabilities.

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned of "serious consequences" due to the escalating situation, particularly for European countries with small territories and dense populations. During a visit to Uzbekistan, Putin highlighted the risks of such nations considering strikes deep into Russian territory.

On May 31, Andrei Kartapolov, Head of the Defense Committee in the Russian lower house, stated that Moscow would respond asymmetrically to any attacks using US-supplied weaponry. Senior Russian security official Dmitry Medvedev also reiterated that Russia's threats of using tactical nuclear weapons against Ukraine are serious, cautioning that the conflict with the West could escalate into a full-scale war.

Western leaders have hesitated to supply certain weapon systems and authorize their use against Russia to avoid triggering a broader conflict between NATO and Russia. However, with Russia's ongoing aggressive actions and advances into Kharkiv, NATO states are increasingly supporting the use of long-range Western weapons to counter the Russian threat.