The atmosphere at the UN General Assembly in New York was electrified by statements from US President Donald Trump, who spoke openly about the possibility of shooting down Russian aircraft by NATO countries. These statements came shortly after his speech, where he had already announced tougher sanctions against Moscow.
Trump’s statements and US position
In a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump clearly responded that he considers it justified for Alliance member states to shoot down Russian aircraft that violate their airspace. “Yes, I believe it,” he said without hesitation, though leaving open the question of whether the United States would participate in such action.
“It depends on the circumstances,” he emphasized, adding that the US “stands with NATO” and expressing respect for Ukraine’s struggle.
Zelensky discusses energy blockade and pressures Trump
Zelensky, for his part, stated that he briefed Trump on the latest battlefield developments and requested stricter pressure on Russia. He particularly emphasized the need to prevent Europeans from purchasing Russian oil and natural gas.
In the same context, Trump mentioned that he plans to call Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, aiming to persuade him to stop energy transactions with Moscow. “He’s my friend, but if I talk to him, maybe he’ll stop,” he stated characteristically.
Violations escalating tensions
Concerns are intensifying as recent violation incidents have sounded alarm bells across Europe. Last week, three Russian MiG-31s entered Estonian airspace over the Gulf of Finland, while just days earlier, Russian drones and fighters had crossed Polish airspace, forcing immediate scrambling of F-15 and F-35 aircraft.
European allies responded with a harsh warning: in an emergency UN Security Council session, they declared they would shoot down any Russian aircraft or drone that dares to enter NATO airspace again.
The crisis deepens and rhetoric hardens, with Trump’s statements adding fuel to the fire of an already explosive situation.
