US Response to Russian Aircraft in NATO Airspace: Secretary of State Speaks Out
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio takes part in a media briefing during the 58th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Foreign Ministers' meeting and related meetings at the Convention Centre in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on July 10, 2025. MANDEL NGAN/Pool via REUTERS
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that the United States will not engage in shooting down Russian planes or drones that violate NATO airspace.
This was reported by the press service of the department.
During the interview, the journalist noted that the EU and NATO have declared their readiness to shoot down Russian drones and aircraft if necessary, and asked whether the United States would join.
“I don’t think anyone has discussed shooting down Russian planes unless they are attacking,” Rubio replied.
He added that NATO, like the U.S., responds to similar incidents, including intercepting objects that violate airspace.
“The United States is a NATO partner, a NATO member, an important member—the most important member of NATO. I think yesterday at the United Nations, our new ambassador here, Mike Waltz, made it very clear that we will work with our allies to protect every inch of NATO territory. That commitment remains unwavering,” the Secretary of State added.
As a reminder, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that the alliance is ready to “intimidate” Russia and thus warn against future provocations.
As it became known, Estonia stated that three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated its airspace and were there for 12 minutes.
The Estonian Defense Ministry later reported that the incursion of Russian MiG-31 fighters into the country’s airspace was deliberate.
Earlier, Russia carried out a massive attack on Ukraine, during which some drones violated Polish airspace. As a result, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte announced the launch of Operation Eastern Sentinel.
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