Poland's 2-word reply to Trump saying NATO allies should shoot down violating Russian jets

 

Did Donald Trump Just Signal a Major Shift on Ukraine? NATO Allies React Strongly

Donald Trump’s recent comments about NATO and Russia are creating a wave of discussion across Europe, particularly in countries on the alliance’s eastern flank such as Poland and Estonia. His remarks, made during the United Nations General Assembly in New York while standing beside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, suggest a harder line on Moscow than many expected.

When asked whether NATO nations should shoot down Russian aircraft if they violate alliance airspace, Trump’s response was clear: “Yes, I do.” While he later added that the U.S. response would “depend on the circumstance,” he also emphasized that America remains “very strong toward NATO.” This language stood out because Trump has often been portrayed as skeptical of NATO in the past.

The reaction from NATO allies was almost immediate. Poland’s Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski responded with a short but pointed message on X: “Roger that.” Estonia’s parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee chair Marko Mihkelson followed with: “We got it.” For countries that live under the constant threat of Russian aggression, Trump’s words carried significant weight.

The timing also matters. In recent weeks, Poland and Estonia have experienced several airspace violations. Earlier this month, Polish officials reported that at least 19 Russian drones crossed into their territory. Estonia, meanwhile, faced unauthorized incursions from three Russian fighter jets. NATO condemned these moves as “reckless Russian behavior,” while Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk declared that Warsaw will shoot down any object that violates its skies “without discussion.” Sikorski himself went further, warning Moscow directly: “You have been warned.”

What makes this moment even more striking is Trump’s shift in tone toward Ukraine itself. Following his private meeting with Zelensky, the former president posted on Truth Social that Kyiv is now “in a position to fight and WIN all of Ukraine back in its original form.” He went as far as to describe Russia as a “paper tiger” for failing to achieve a decisive victory after more than three years of war.

This is a noticeable change. In the past, Trump has been cautious about endorsing unlimited aid to Ukraine, often focusing instead on the costs of U.S. involvement. His latest comments, however, signal a stronger belief in Ukraine’s ability to win and a firmer stance against Russian violations of NATO airspace.

For Poland and Estonia—both frontline NATO states—the message could be seen as reassurance that Washington will not turn a blind eye if Russia continues to escalate. It also strengthens the case for NATO’s deterrence strategy, which relies heavily on the credibility of its member states’ commitments to defend one another.

Of course, questions remain. Will Trump maintain this sharper rhetoric if the conflict drags on? And how might Moscow respond to the possibility of NATO countries shooting down its drones or jets?

For now, though, one thing is clear: Trump’s latest statements have been welcomed in Eastern Europe, where leaders view them as a much-needed show of solidarity. Whether this marks a lasting shift in his approach to Ukraine—or simply a strategic adjustment at the UN—remains to be seen.