RantCrush Top 5: June 19, 2017

After a U.S. fighter jet shot down a Syrian plane yesterday–for the first time in the six-year-long conflict–Russia warned the U.S. that it will treat any U.S. coalition planes and drones as targets if they are flying in the airspace west of the Euphrates river. Russia also said it will no longer enforce an agreement intended to minimize the risk of incidents between Russian and American aircraft. Russia has provided Syrian President Bashar al-Assad with military support, while the U.S. is backing the rebels. The Russian Defense Ministry harshly criticized the U.S. and called the incident “a flagrant violation of international law.” “We are warning Washington not to take such actions in the future,” said Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.

Four direct engagements w Syria/Iran/Russia in 45 days. Trump is quietly starting a new war that Congress has not declared. Red alert. 🚨 https://t.co/D4MKPLXFTS

— Chris Murphy (@ChrisMurphyCT) June 19, 2017

Emma Von Zeipel

Emma Von Zeipel is a staff writer at Law Street Media. She is originally from one of the islands of Stockholm, Sweden. After working for Democratic Voice of Burma in Thailand, she ended up in New York City. She has a BA in journalism from Stockholm University and is passionate about human rights, good books, horses, and European chocolate. Contact Emma at EVonZeipel@LawStreetMedia.com.