Journalism of Courage
US President Donald Trump on Tuesday said that NATO nations should shoot down the Russian aircrafts if they violate their airspace, escalating his rhetoric against President Vladimir Putin led Kremlin as the war in Ukraine drags on. Trump also suggested that Ukraine could restore all its territory lost to Russia during the war that began in February 2022 when Moscow invaded Kyiv.
The comments came as Trump met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. The question was asked in the backdrop of recent Russian drone incursions reported from the NATO countries, including Poland, Romania and Estonia.
When asked by a reporter during a press briefing if NATO allies should take down Russian aircrafts, Trump said, “Yes, I do.” The US president was then asked if America would back up NATO allies in such a situation, Trump said “it depends on the circumstance.”
Later, Trump in a post on Truth Social said that he believes Ukraine with the help of the European Union is positioned to fight back against the Russian assault and is also on the way to reclaim all the territory lost to Russia during its war since 2022 and perhaps more.
“Putin and Russia are in BIG economic trouble, and this is the time for Ukraine to act. In any event, I wish both countries well. We will continue to supply weapons to NATO for NATO to do what they want with them. Good luck to all!,” Trump said.
Poland and Romania, after reporting violations of their national airspace by Russian aircrafts earlier this month, had prompted NATO to scramble fighter jets. On Friday, Estonia also said that three Russian jets intruded its airspace but Moscow has denied the allegations.
NATO’s Secretary General Mark Rutte on Tuesday reaffirmed the group’s commitment to defend allied territory but did not reiterate Trump’s response to shoot down Russian aircraft if they violate allied airspace.
(with inputs from ABC)
