NATO allies divided on how to respond to Russian airspace violations

NATO allies are grappling with internal divisions over how to respond to recent Russian airspace violations, exposing rifts that could undermine the alliance’s ability to present a united front against Moscow’s provocations.

Germany cautioned against escalating tensions, warning of the risks involved in shooting down Russian aircraft, Bloomberg reports.

Defence Minister Boris Pistorius urged restraint, saying, “Slapdash demands to shoot something out of the sky or do some great show of strength help less than anything else right now.” He emphasized that “level-headedness is not cowardice and not fear, but a responsibility towards your own country and towards peace in Europe.”

In stark contrast, the United States, backed by Poland and the Baltic states, has shown support for a more assertive stance. During a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the United Nations General Assembly, US President Donald Trump expressed openness to NATO allies taking down Russian aircraft, stating, “Yes, I do.” However, Trump also added ambiguity by saying that support would depend on circumstances, while affirming, “we’re very strong toward NATO.”

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk took a hard line earlier in the week, threatening to shoot down aerial threats and asserting there is “no room for discussion” on the policy. Meanwhile, Latvian President Edgars Rinkevics called for a “show of force” and said, “I think the rules of engagement need also to be upgraded in a way that if Russia continues, the opening of fire would be an alternative.”

The growing tension has been fueled by a series of recent incidents, including Russian jets spending 12 minutes in Estonian airspace and drones disrupting airports in Poland, Romania, and Copenhagen. On September 24, a Spanish military aircraft carrying Defence Minister Margarita Robles experienced GPS interference near the Baltics, raising further alarms.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb urged caution, saying, “not to overreact but be firm enough, because the only thing Russia understands is power.”

Meanwhile, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov insisted Russia maintains its “resilience and stability,” while observers note Moscow aims to provoke NATO allies only to discredit the alliance in case of escalation. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul highlighted this tactic, stating, “First provoke NATO allies and then, in the event of an escalation, act completely surprised and discredit NATO.”

By Vafa Guliyeva