Staff Reports
The possibility of the Biden administration reducing surveillance operations in the Black Sea is a worrisome development that may jeopardize the safety of the United States. This move is prompted by Russian hostility, and the Pentagon has called on the Air Force's European Command to defend the continuation of espionage flights in the area as part of a more comprehensive risk evaluation.
Also, as Russia claims that there was some sort of international notification of airspace around their "special military operation," this NOTAM basically says their unilateral airspace declarations are invalid. pic.twitter.com/GukfUarZXB
— Oren Liebermann (@OrenCNN) March 15, 2023
The Department of Defense is exploring options for minimizing or reorganizing espionage operations in the area to decrease the likelihood of additional conflict, but doing so could hinder information gathering regarding the Ukraine war. American authorities intend to weigh the expenses of drone surveillance missions in the Black Sea, including specific paths that may pose a greater threat of escalation with Russia, against the advantages of collecting intelligence on Russian actions.
Pentagon May Tone Down Spy Flights Over International Waters In Black Sea Amid Russian Aggression: REPORT https://t.co/Zs3Ma9A4oe via @DailyCaller
— Chris 🇺🇸 (@Chris_1791) March 17, 2023
Although the Biden administration has declared its intention to operate in global waters, this alone is insufficient. The Pentagon must take further action to safeguard our national security and interests, rather than reducing its efforts. The United States should adopt a firm stance against Russian hostility and avoid yielding ground.
The U.S. has been accused by Moscow of violating airspace that it had restricted for carrying out a "special military operation" in Ukraine. However, the U.S. does not acknowledge this allegation, as the region in which the drone was deployed is acknowledged as international airspace. The Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, have communicated with their Russian counterparts about the matter, although the specifics of their discussions remain uncertain.
The possibility of the Biden administration reducing surveillance operations in the Black Sea is a worrisome development that may compromise the safety of the United States and diminish our national security. The U.S. should demonstrate a resolute stance against Russian aggression rather than surrendering, and the Pentagon should intensify efforts to safeguard our national security and interests. It is now imperative for the Biden administration to adopt a firm position against Russian hostility and establish that we will not be intimidated by their efforts to undermine our national security.
