Asked by Italy’s ANSA whether the United States would aid allies bordering Russia, the U.S. president replied, “Yeah, I would. I would.” His comment came before he attended a memorial service for conservative influencer Charlie Kirk in Arizona, pan-European broadcaster Euronews reported.
Trump’s remarks followed appeals from several allies for a stronger response to Russian provocations. Lithuania, Estonia and the Czech Republic have urged NATO to consider tougher measures, including shooting down Russian aircraft that breach the alliance’s borders.
On Friday, Russian fighter jets violated NATO airspace in Estonia for 12 minutes, triggering Tallinn’s call for NATO Article 4 consultations and an emergency meeting of the U.N. Security Council. Earlier in September, a total of 19 drones reportedly entered Polish airspace, prompting action by Warsaw.
“We must respond appropriately, including possibly shooting down Russian aircraft,” Czech President Petr Pavel said. “What has happened in recent days in Poland and Estonia, and what has been happening in Ukraine for four years now, concerns us all. If we don't stick together, sooner or later it will happen to us too.”
Lithuanian Defense Minister Dovile Šakaliene argued for downing Russian drones in a post on X, writing that NATO’s northeastern border “is being tested for a reason” and noting, “Turkey set an example 10 years ago.”
Poland’s Foreign Minister Radosław Sikorski also called for “very firmly and unequivocally” reacting to Russia’s provocations on Sunday.
The Estonian foreign ministry said the U.N. Security Council would convene an emergency meeting Monday “in response to Russia’s brazen violation of Estonian airspace last Friday.”
(jh)
Source: Euronews, IAR