Donald Trump Tells NATO To Shoot Down Russian Jets Crossing Airspace In Fresh Jibe At Putin

When asked by reporters if he thought NATO should take action against Russian aircraft crossing their airspace, former U.S. President Donald Trump responded affirmatively. “Yes, I do,” Trump said on Tuesday, suggesting that NATO should shoot down Russian aircraft entering their airspace.

Trump made these comments while speaking to reporters after meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. When specifically asked about NATO shoot-downs during the meeting, Trump reiterated, “Yes, I do.”

In contrast, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte took a more cautious stance. According to a report by U.S. broadcaster CNN, Rutte emphasized that any decision to shoot down aircraft should depend on available intelligence regarding the threat posed. “This also includes questions we have to answer like intent, armaments, and potential risk to allies, forces, civilians, or infrastructure,” Rutte explained. “We will always assess the situation and the immediate threat the plane poses,” he added following a NATO meeting.

These remarks come amid growing tensions and recent direct encounters between NATO and Moscow, marking the first since the start of the Ukraine war. Alleged incursions of Russian aircraft over Poland, Estonia, and other NATO member nations have tested the alliance’s preparedness and credibility in deterring Russia. Notably, Russian jets allegedly violated Estonian airspace, prompting Tallinn to call for an emergency meeting.

Meanwhile, Trump also expressed optimism about Ukraine’s prospects in the ongoing conflict. He suggested that Ukraine could not only reclaim all territory lost to Russia since the war began in February 2022 but might also be able to go beyond that.

“I think Ukraine, with the support of the European Union, is in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form,” Trump said in a Truth Social post after his meeting with Zelenskyy at the United Nations. He added, “Kyiv could maybe even go further than that!” though he did not elaborate on what he meant by this statement.
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