In light of the major role of U.S. armaments, intelligence and planning on behalf of its proxy, Ukraine, it is absolutely understandable and justifiable for the Russian forces to protect themselves, including taking out this Reaper spy drone.

Any attempt by the Biden administration to use the downing of this drone as an excuse to escalate the U.S./NATO involvement in the war would be hypocritical. It also reflects the growing desperation by the U.S. in the face of the growing losses by Ukraine in experienced fighters, equipment and ammunition that may lead to a major collapse on the battlefield.