Russian warplanes fly near US airspace after Trump's 'shoot them down' order

 

Why Are Russian Warplanes Flying Near Alaska and What Does It Mean for U.S.–Russia Relations?

In recent weeks, tensions between Washington and Moscow have taken another sharp turn as Russian military aircraft have been repeatedly spotted near U.S. airspace. The latest incident unfolded when American defense systems detected Russian warplanes operating close to Alaska, prompting U.S. fighter jets to intercept them swiftly.

According to the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), two Russian Tu-95 strategic bombers and two Su-35 fighter jets entered the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ). For context, the ADIZ is not U.S. sovereign territory, but it is a designated stretch of international airspace where all aircraft are required to identify themselves in the interest of national security.

This marks the third such occurrence within a month and the ninth time this year that Russian military planes have been reported in the region. While NORAD clarified that these flights are “not considered a threat” and such activity is relatively common, the frequency has raised eyebrows across defense and diplomatic circles.

Why Is Russia Doing This?

Military analysts argue that Russia’s actions are part of a broader strategy to test American and NATO response times, signaling strength at a time when the Kremlin faces international pressure over its war in Ukraine. These flights are often described as “probing” missions, designed less for combat and more for psychological and political impact.

Interestingly, these aerial maneuvers come just days after former U.S. President Donald Trump made headlines at the United Nations. When asked whether NATO countries should shoot down Russian aircraft violating international airspace, Trump’s reply was short but pointed: “Yes I do.”

His blunt response reportedly stunned Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was standing alongside him. For Kyiv, which depends heavily on NATO support, the comment underscored both the seriousness of the threat and the shifting tone in U.S. rhetoric toward Russia.

Russia’s Wider Pattern of Testing NATO

The Alaska flyovers are not isolated. Just this month, suspected Russian drones forced temporary shutdowns at airports in Copenhagen and Oslo. While European officials have avoided naming Russia outright, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen called the drone incidents “the most serious attack on Danish critical infrastructure to date” and admitted she could not rule out Kremlin involvement.

NATO has also confirmed that Russian drones were recently shot down over Poland. Similar incidents have been reported in Romania and Estonia, further suggesting a pattern of testing Europe’s borders and readiness. As one European Commission spokesperson put it, “Russia is probing our resolve and undermining our security.”

What This Means Going Forward

Although NORAD insists that Russian flights near Alaska are not an immediate danger, the broader picture is clear: Moscow is stepping up pressure on both North America and Europe. These actions seem aimed at reminding Washington and its allies that Russia still has global reach, even while bogged down in Ukraine.

At the same time, Washington faces a strategic choice—continue treating these incidents as routine, or draw a harder line, as Trump hinted in his remarks. With NATO already warning that it will defend its airspace “by all means necessary,” the stakes are rising.

For now, each interception remains a controlled, professional encounter. But history shows that repeated military close calls carry the risk of escalation. As Russia and the West continue their tense standoff, Alaska’s skies could become a recurring flashpoint in a much larger geopolitical struggle.