Several European countries have reported violations of their airspace by Russian aircraft and drones amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. In a rare twist, President Donald Trump, long criticized for his coziness with Vladimir Putin, has suddenly struck a different tone.
At the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, Trump appeared to break ranks with Moscow and lean toward NATO, his old punching bag. In his remarks, Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and was asked directly whether the United States would back NATO allies in responding to Russian aggression. His answer was typically hedged: “It depends on the circumstance.” However, his later comments marked a sharper turn.
After reports from Poland, Estonia, and Romania about violations of their airspace, which prompted NATO to send fighter jets in response, Trump remarked that NATO allies should shoot down Russian drones in their airspace. (via ABC) Polish Foreign Minister Radek Sikorski quickly endorsed the statement with a curt “Roger that” on X, signaling a rare moment of alignment between Trump and NATO.
In a slight contrast, NATO’s Secretary General Mark Rutte assured NATO allies that they would defend allied territory, but carefully addressed Trump’s advice to shoot down Russian aircraft:
“Decisions on whether to engage intruding aircraft, such as firing upon them, are, of course, taking in real time, are always based on available intelligence regarding the threat posed by the aircraft, including questions we have to answer like intent, armament and potential risk to Allied forces, civilians or infrastructure.”
Trump also took direct aim at Russia’s unwillingness to negotiate an end to the war, remarking, “It’s not making Russia look good. It’s making them look bad.” He reiterated earlier threats to impose steep tariffs on Moscow if it refuses to pursue peace, but shifted some of the responsibility toward Europe, insisting that NATO allies must cut off their dependence on Russian energy.
“Europe has to step it up. They can’t be doing what they’re doing. They’re buying oil and gas from Russia while they’re fighting Russia. It’s embarrassing to them.”
The comments came as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to phasing out Russian energy imports entirely by 2027 or sooner. She noted that Europe has already made significant progress, slashing its import of Russian oil and gas and eliminating coal imports.
Seizing on that pledge, Trump projected optimism about Ukraine’s prospects. With European backing and a stronger NATO response, he argued that “Ukraine is in a position to fight and win all of Ukraine back in its original form.”
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