Europe's chilling response to Trump's calls to shoot down Russian jets invading airspace

 

How Are European Countries Reacting to Trump’s NATO Airspace Remarks on Russia?

President Donald Trump’s recent comments about NATO’s response to Russian airspace violations have sparked strong reactions across Europe, especially in countries along the alliance’s eastern flank such as Poland and Estonia. Speaking on September 23 during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Trump was asked if NATO members should shoot down Russian aircraft if they violated alliance airspace. His answer was short but firm: “Yes, I do.”

For NATO’s eastern members, who have faced repeated incursions from Russian jets and drones in recent weeks, this assertive stance was welcomed as a sign of solidarity.

Poland’s Reaction

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski responded with a simple but powerful two-word message: “Roger that.” His reaction highlights Poland’s increasing frustration over Russian drone incursions. Just last week, at least 19 Russian drones entered Polish airspace, triggering Warsaw to invoke Article 4 consultations within NATO—a clause used when a member feels its security is threatened.

Estonia’s Response

Estonia, another frontline NATO state, also signaled approval. Marko Mihkelson, chairman of the Estonian Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, posted on social media: “We got it.” His statement came after three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered Estonian airspace without permission, escalating fears about Moscow’s willingness to test NATO defenses.

Rising Tensions Across NATO’s Eastern Border

Russian military provocations have not been limited to Poland and Estonia. On September 21, NATO scrambled two Eurofighter jets over the Baltic Sea after an Il-20M reconnaissance plane was spotted flying without a filed flight plan. Meanwhile, airports in Copenhagen and Oslo temporarily shut down after drone sightings, highlighting how the problem extends beyond NATO’s immediate eastern border.

The UK also voiced concerns. British Ambassador Neil Holland, speaking in Vienna, condemned Moscow’s actions, calling them “dangerous violations” that fit into a broader pattern of Russia’s “irresponsible behavior.” According to him, these moves are designed to test NATO’s resolve at a time when the Ukraine war remains ongoing.

NATO’s Strategic Response

In response, the alliance has strengthened air defense measures through a new initiative known as Eastern Sentry. This mission aims to reinforce security along NATO’s eastern flank and reassure member states like Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania that their concerns are being taken seriously.

However, despite Trump’s strong words, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified in a CBS News interview that NATO has not formally decided to shoot down Russian aircraft unless they demonstrate aggression. Standard NATO practice remains to intercept and escort intruding aircraft rather than immediately engage them.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte reinforced this cautious approach during a press conference. He emphasized that any decision to use force against intruding aircraft is made in real time and depends on factors like intent, armament, and risk to civilians or infrastructure.

What This Means for Europe

The reactions from Poland and Estonia show just how high tensions are in the region. For countries living under the shadow of Russian airpower, Trump’s direct response—though not yet official NATO policy—offered reassurance that the alliance may be willing to take a tougher stance.

At the same time, NATO leadership continues to balance deterrence with caution, ensuring that defensive measures do not spiral into direct confrontation. The coming weeks will reveal whether Moscow continues its incursions and how firmly the alliance stands behind Trump’s words.