President Donald Trump stated on September 23, 2025, that NATO member countries should take action, including shooting down, Russian aircraft that encroach upon their airspace. This statement was made during a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. When asked about U.S. support for such measures, Trump responded, "It depends on the circumstances. But we know we are very involved in NATO."
This assertion follows a series of recent airspace incursions by Russian aircraft into NATO member territories. On September 19, 2025, three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets penetrated Estonian airspace for approximately 12 minutes before being intercepted and escorted out by NATO aircraft. Following this incident, Estonia formally requested consultations with its NATO allies under Article 4 of the Washington Treaty. NATO's North Atlantic Council met to condemn Russia's actions, describing them as part of a "wider pattern of increasingly irresponsible Russian behaviour."
Adding to regional tensions, Denmark reported unidentified drones observed near several of its military sites, including its largest base, Karup Air Base, on September 22, 2025. Danish authorities described these activities as potentially part of a "systematic operation" by a "professional actor." These drone sightings led to temporary airport closures and heightened security alerts across Denmark. In response to these and other incursions, NATO has stated it will continue to respond robustly and has launched "Eastern Sentry" to bolster its posture along the eastern flank.
In the context of these escalating aerial provocations, President Trump underscored the importance of NATO's collective strength and its commitment to supporting Ukraine. He expressed confidence that with European backing, "Ukraine is in a position to fight and regain all of its territory." These events collectively highlight a period of heightened geopolitical sensitivity and underscore the need for a unified and resolute approach from NATO members to safeguard their collective security and territorial integrity.