Trump Supports NATO Shooting Down Russian Aircraft

At the United Nations General Assembly, U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, said NATO countries “should shoot down” Russian aircraft that violate allied airspace, replying “Yes, I do” when asked. He stopped short of committing U.S. forces, saying any U.S. participation “depends on the circumstance.” The remarks came amid recent incursions — including reported MiG-31 flights over Estonia and drone intrusions in Poland and Romania — that have prompted NATO scrambles and heightened tensions. His blunt endorsement contrasts with U.S. and NATO officials who emphasize intercepting aircraft and assessing intent, armament and risk before using force. Baltic and other NATO officials have called for strengthened air defenses and updated rules of engagement if violations continue, and analysts and media flagged the statement as potentially consequential for Article 5 commitments.