NATO Must Shoot Down Russian Jets Violating Territory, Says Trump

US President Donald Trump stated Tuesday that NATO nations should shoot down Russian aircraft that violate their territory, making these remarks during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the sidelines of a UN summit.

When directly asked if NATO countries should down Russian planes entering their airspace, Trump responded affirmatively: "Yes I do."

His statement comes amid growing concerns over recent incursions by Russian fighter jets and drones that have alarmed Washington's European NATO allies.

The president avoided answering whether he believed Russian leader Vladimir Putin was prepared for peace despite recent escalations from Russia. "I'll let you know in about a month from now, okay?" Trump responded when questioned if he still trusted Putin, whom he met with during a high-profile summit in Alaska in August.

Trump, 79, has previously set two-week deadlines multiple times regarding decisions on possible fresh sanctions against Russia.

Despite a televised disagreement with Zelensky in the Oval Office this past February, Trump expressed admiration for Ukraine's resistance, stating he had "great respect for the fight that Ukraine is putting up. It's pretty amazing actually."

Zelensky expressed gratitude for Trump's "personal efforts to stop this war" and supported Trump's call for European nations to cease purchasing Russian oil.

Tensions between Russia and European nations over Ukraine have intensified following several aerial violations. NATO deployed jets after three Russian MiG-31 fighters breached Estonian airspace for approximately 12 minutes on Friday, prompting Estonia to request a UN Security Council meeting and discussions with NATO allies.

Poland, another NATO member, reported earlier this month that Russian drones repeatedly violated its airspace during an attack on Ukraine, which Warsaw characterized as an "act of aggression."

While Trump previously suggested the Polish incident might have been accidental, his latest statement represents a significant hardening of his position on the matter.