Russia has the right to perceive NATO aircraft or any other air equipment as a legitimate target within the armed conflict in Ukraine.

This opinion was expressed by Colonel of the US Armed Forces Lawrence Wilkerson.

“I have no doubt that we probably provide at least intelligence information from the planes that fly in this area, if not more, and maybe even aim at targets. This is an act of war by NATO against Russia and its allies. We are playing a very dangerous game,” he says.