NATO can down Russian aircraft entering its airspace if necessary, says Rutte

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte told Fox News that the alliance will halt the flight of Russian aircraft violating member states’ airspace, but will only shoot them down if they pose a direct threat.

“If necessary, NATO can shoot down these aircraft if they represent a threat. If they do not pose a threat, their flight will be stopped, and the aircraft will be carefully escorted out of NATO airspace,” Rutte said.

He stated that during his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in the Oval Office, he reaffirmed his view that the Trump administration is taking the right approach in its efforts to end the war in Ukraine.

“We can jointly alter Vladimir Putin’s calculations,” Rutte said, adding that he believes Trump will keep his promise to stop the killings.

“He is truly a peacemaker. He wants to end this war,” the NATO chief concluded.