U.S. President Donald Trump declared on Tuesday that NATO countries should be prepared to shoot down Russian aircraft if they violate allied airspace, escalating tensions as the war in Ukraine threatens to spill further into Europe.
Speaking alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Trump was asked whether NATO should take direct military action against such incursions. His response was unequivocal: “Yes, I do.”
The remarks come after a series of Russian airspace violations over Poland, Estonia, and other NATO member states, marking the first direct encounters between Moscow and the alliance since the start of the Ukraine conflict. These incidents have raised serious concerns about NATO’s readiness and credibility in deterring further Russian aggression.
European leaders have condemned the incursions and pledged a firm response, while NATO officials remain cautious. Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that any decision to shoot down Russian aircraft should be based on intelligence assessments of intent and potential risks to allied forces, civilians, or infrastructure.
“We will always assess the situation, assess the immediate threat the plane poses,” Rutte emphasized, after an emergency meeting requested by Estonia following last week’s violation of its airspace by Russian jets.
Trump’s bold remarks underscore the growing divide between calls for decisive action and NATO’s more measured stance, as the alliance weighs the risks of direct military escalation with Moscow.
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