Drone downing is a reminder of escalation risks in Ukraine

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 14, 2023
Contact: press@defensepriorities.org

WASHINGTON, DC—Today, a Russian jet reportedly collided with an American drone over the Black Sea, downing the drone. Defense Priorities Policy Director Benjamin H. Friedman issued the following statement in response:

“The collision of a Russian jet and U.S. drone over the Black Sea will not escalate to a direct U.S.-Russia confrontation. But it is nonetheless a reminder that U.S.-Ukraine policy entails terrible, if remote, risks. The longer the war continues with heavy U.S. backing for Ukraine, the more likely escalation between nuclear superpowers is. And it is common sense to worry about even a low risk of a catastrophe of that magnitude.

“It is time for the U.S. policy in Ukraine to serve realistic goals consonant with U.S. interests. Russia has suffered grievously for its aggression, and Ukraine’s ability to regain all its territory by force is deeply dubious. It is mainly up to the combatants when the war ends, but we should be clear, in Washington, Brussels, and beyond, that our interest is in the war ending sooner than later, and we should pursue a strategy to serve that end.”

Author

Benjamin
Friedman

Policy Director

Defense Priorities