US President Donald Trump threw his weight behind NATO countries shooting down Russian aircraft that stray into their airspace. He made the comment during a sideline meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the United Nations General Assembly in New York.
When reporters asked Trump directly, “Do you think NATO countries should shoot down Russian aircraft if they enter their airspace?” he replied without hesitation, “Yes, I do.” Trump also dodged a question about his trust in Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying, “I’ll let you know in about a month.”
The quick exchange underscored the growing tensions in the Russia-Ukraine war, as the two leaders wrapped up their talks. Zelenskyy later told reporters the meeting went well and felt positive.
This comes amid Russia’s ramped-up attacks on Ukraine. Zelenskyy had posted on X earlier that day, calling for tough US sanctions to match Europe’s efforts. “We now expect strong sanctions steps from the United States as well—Europe is doing its part,” he wrote.
Trump had hinted last week at slapping major sanctions on Moscow, but only if NATO allies band together to stop buying Russian oil. So far, Russia has brushed off his pushes for a ceasefire.
Zelenskyy aims to secure long-term security guarantees for Ukraine against future Russian aggression, even after any potential truce. But Putin has made it clear he won’t accept Western troops on Ukrainian soil.
Russia kicked off one of its biggest assaults in months overnight, firing 40 missiles and about 580 drones. The barrage killed at least three people and injured dozens more, according to Al Jazeera reports.
NATO nations are on high alert along Europe’s eastern borders. Poland’s military scrambled Polish and allied jets Saturday after Russian strikes hit near its frontier in a defensive move. The UK also stepped up, with its fighter jets flying their first NATO mission under Operation Eastern Sentry to patrol Polish skies against Russian aerial threats.
Tensions spiked further when three Russian fighter jets reportedly breached Estonia’s airspace Friday for about 12 minutes. Estonia’s authorities confirmed it with radar and eyewitness accounts, but Russia’s Defense Ministry denied any violation. Estonia’s top military intelligence officer, Colonel Ants Kiviselg, said they’re still checking if it was deliberate.
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