As such, it raises a lot of questions and represents a moment fraught with danger.

As such, it raises a lot of questions and represents a moment fraught with danger.

The United States' National Security Council's (NSC) John Kirby says there have been other intercepts "even in recent weeks", but that this one was different.

Could it have been an accident? ไทเกอ711

"Based on the actions of the Russian pilots, it's clear that it was unsafe, unprofessional," was the verdict of the Pentagon's Press Secretary, Air Force Brigadier General Pat Ryder.

"I think the actions speak for themselves."

Does the behaviour of Russia's pilots - allegedly dumping fuel in the path of the drone and then colliding with it - represent a significant escalation?