Kerry: US had the right to shoot down Russian bombers

Фото: Depositphotos

“We condemn such behavior. It is irresponsible. It is provocative. “It's dangerous,” Kerry said in an interview with CNN's Spanish service and the Miami Herald. “And in accordance with the rules of the use of armed force, the aircraft could have been shot down.”

"People need to understand that this is a serious matter, and the US will not allow itself to be intimidated on the high seas," he added. “We want to convey to Russia how dangerous it is, and express the hope that this will never happen again.”

Как писал previously ForumDaily, the Russian Su-24 bombers repeatedly flew near the destroyer Donald Cook, and so close that there were traces on the water, a representative of the American authorities said on Wednesday.

It was one of the most aggressive recent episodes between the two former Cold War opponents, although there were no visible weapons on the planes, the source added.

A Russian Ka-27 helicopter was also flown around the ship, from which pictures were taken.

State Department spokesman John Kirby announced that Kerry will discuss this incident with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

For its part, the Russian Ministry of Defense stated that he was puzzled by the US reaction. The Russian side declares that, upon seeing the ship, the pilots, in compliance with all security measures, made the so-called back of it.

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