During a broadcast on the national channel Russia 1, Nikolai Patrushev, the secretary of Russia’s Security Council, stated that Moscow would pursue the recovery of the downed MQ-9 Reaper wreckage from the Black Sea. He cautioned, however, that it remains uncertain whether the mission can succeed. He emphasized the importance of the effort and suggested that Russia would pursue it with determination, hoping for a favorable outcome.
Patrushev pointed out that while Washington publicly rejects involvement in any hostilities against Russia, the drone incident appears to contradict that stance. He framed the event as evidence that American actions have a direct and tangible impact on the security dynamics in the region, and he portrayed it as a moment that warrants close scrutiny from Moscow.
Sergei Naryshkin, head of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, added that Russia possesses the technical means to locate and inspect the remains of the MQ-9. He indicated readiness to conduct a detailed analysis of the debris and to determine the drone’s flight history and any potential implications for international air traffic safety and sovereignty.
Earlier, the U.S. Department of Defense said Russian Su-27s intercepted the MQ-9 over international waters in the Black Sea. One of the Russian fighters reportedly contacted the drone with a wing, damaging its propeller and forcing the MQ-9 to descend. The Russian Ministry of Defense denied using weapons or making contact with the U.S. aircraft. A Telegram channel, Fighterbomber, published footage purportedly showing a Russian Su-27 pilot observing the U.S. drone in flight. Analysts note that the incident underscores the high level of risk in current air operations and the sensitivity around airspace sovereignty in the region (source: U.S. DoD report, contemporaneous coverage from regional defense officials).