U.S., German Jets Scramble to Track Russian Spy Planes Near Alaska, Baltic

Recent military activity highlights ongoing tensions between Russia and NATO-aligned forces in multiple regions. In Alaska, the U.S. military, through NORAD, scrambled fighter jets multiple times to monitor Russian Il-20 reconnaissance planes entering the Alaskan Air Defense Identification Zone, a frequent occurrence that remains short of violating sovereign airspace. Similarly, in the Baltic Sea, German Eurofighter jets intercepted a Russian Il-20 aircraft flying without an active transponder or flight plan, marking the tenth such interception by German forces this year amid concerns over espionage and regional security. These aerial provocations by Russia, including flights near NATO borders and suspected sabotage in the Baltic Sea, have raised alarms among European allies about the risk of escalation. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump commented on the ongoing war in Ukraine, emphasizing his desire for an end to the conflict and warning that Russia could face an economic war if hostilities continue, while also criticizing both Ukrainian President Zelenskyy and Russian President Putin and stressing his unique relationship with Putin as a potential path to resolution. Trump expressed intent to avoid a world war and highlighted changes in U.S. support for Ukraine, noting NATO now primarily funds the equipment aid.