NATO supports Trump's action against Russian drones and aircraft

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Thursday backed President Donald Trump's statement that NATO member states could shoot down Russian aircraft or drones that violate their airspace if necessary.

In an interview with Fox News, Rutte emphasized that NATO was prepared to take appropriate action if the situation required it.
He explained that the alliance's forces were sufficiently trained to assess the threat in real time and decide whether to escort Russian aircraft out of the area or opt for a more direct form of intervention.

The issue follows a growing number of violations of the alliance's airspace by Russian aircraft, with NATO already threatening Russia with the use of all available military and civilian means to defend member states.

The alliance has also prepared the Eastern Sentry program to strengthen the defense of NATO's eastern flank. Following the incidents in Poland and Estonia, European leaders are emphasizing the need for a military response to the violations, with countries such as Poland announcing that they will shoot down intruders immediately.

(reuters, sie)