US President Donald Trump has voiced support for NATO countries shooting down Russian aircraft that violate their airspace, during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.
When asked if NATO should take such action, Trump replied decisively, “Yes, I do.” On whether he currently trusted Russian President Vladimir Putin, he added, “I’ll let you know in about a month.”
The brief but pointed remarks underscored the rising geopolitical tensions as Russia intensified its military campaign in Ukraine. Zelenskyy later described his meeting with Trump as positive, telling ANI, “It went well.”
Over the weekend, Zelenskyy urged stronger US sanctions on Moscow as Russia escalated attacks, launching one of its largest overnight offensives in months with 40 missiles and about 580 drones. The strikes killed at least three people and injured dozens, according to Al Jazeera.
NATO allies have ramped up defences along Europe’s eastern flank in response. Poland confirmed scrambling jets in a “preventative operation” after Russian strikes near its border, while the UK deployed fighter aircraft for the first time under NATO’s Eastern Sentry mission to patrol Polish skies.
Tensions further rose after Estonia reported three Russian fighter jets breached its airspace on Friday—a 12-minute incursion verified by radar and visual confirmation. Russia’s Defence Ministry denied the violation, while Estonian officials said it remained unclear whether the move was deliberate.
Trump has also hinted at major sanctions on Moscow, contingent on NATO allies collectively agreeing to cut Russian oil imports. Despite efforts to push for a ceasefire, Moscow has resisted Western pressure, while Ukraine continues to seek long-term security guarantees to deter future aggression.
