- Russian Su-27 aircraft struck US MQ-9 Air Force Reaper drone over Black Sea.
- US military claims Russian aircraft acted recklessly and unprofessionally.
- Incident marks first direct contact between US and Russian military aircraft since invasion of Ukraine.
- US has used Reaper drones to monitor Black Sea since before invasion.
- Tensions between US and Russia may escalate ahead of crucial window in Ukraine conflict.
Russian jet collided with unmanned American drone over Black Sea, US says
Incident described by officials in Washington as ‘reckless’ action by Moscow’s military
Max Seddon
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