U.S. Defense Secretary: Russia Must Stop Irresponsible Behavior

Lloyd Austin, the U.S. Secretary of Defense, on Saturday, August 7, called on Russia to adhere to airspace regulations and to stop its "irresponsible behavior." According to Reuters, during a press conference in Brisbane, Australia, the U.S. Defense Secretary added, "We urge the Russian leadership to ensure that they issue directives to their forces that require them to adhere to airspace laws and prohibit irresponsible behavior." Lloyd Austin also stated, "We will continue to engage with senior officials as necessary. However, as we have always operated in airspace, we will continue our operations and protect our interests and resources." The U.S. military announced earlier this week that an American MQ-9 drone was severely damaged by a Russian fighter jet over Syria, marking the latest in a series of close encounters between Russian and American military aircraft in the region. Lloyd Austin and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken are in Australia for the annual AUSMIN ministerial dialogue, which will focus on progress in the nuclear submarine sales agreement, regional security, and clean energy. Anthony Albanese: The sale of U.S. nuclear submarines to Australia is "on the right track." U.S. Defense Secretary: Ukraine is engaged in a "strategic confrontation" with Russia. A Russian fighter jet attacked the U.S. Air Force MQ-9 drone with "flares." John Kirby: The U.S. and its allies are "committed to ensuring the security" of shipping in international waterways.