Trump says NATO should shoot down Russian jets that violate airspace during Zelenskyy meeting

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump said NATO countries should shoot down Russian jets that violate airspace, remarks he delivered during a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. When asked by a reporter whether NATO should fire on intruding aircraft, Trump replied, "Yes, I do."

The exchange occurred Tuesday as Zelenskyy met with Trump in a discussion focused on European security and Western support for Ukraine. The reported remark comes as the United States and its allies evaluate how to deter Moscow's air operations and protect airspace sovereignty over NATO members. Officials did not provide a formal statement clarifying whether the comment reflected a new policy or a personal assessment by Trump.

Trump's stance aligns with a hawkish public posture toward Russia that has characterized his commentary in recent years, even as U.S. and allied officials have pursued a measured approach to deterrence. Analysts cautioned that any formal change to NATO policy would require consensus among member states and a formal decision by the alliance, which were not announced at the time.

Fox News Digital spearheaded coverage of the remarks. There was no immediate public confirmation from the White House or NATO about any shift in air-defense doctrine. Zelenskyy’s visit highlights a broader push from Kyiv and its partners to secure continued international support amid ongoing tensions with Moscow.

Experts say such statements can influence political calculations in Washington and Europe, where discussions over how to respond to intrusions by Russian aircraft remain central to security policy. The White House has repeatedly backed Ukraine with military aid and diplomatic backing, while NATO maintains its commitment to defend its members. The timing of the comments comes as Ukraine seeks to sustain diplomatic and military support ahead of elections and ongoing security challenges.

Policy questions surrounding air defense are technical and complex, involving rules of engagement, escalation management and risk assessment in contested airspace. The continuing question for NATO and its partners is how best to deter aggressions while avoiding unintended escalation, as Western allies align on future support for Ukraine. Officials stress that decisions on shooting down aircraft would involve alliance-wide assessments and legal considerations, and that any steps would depend on the specifics of the incursion and the risk to civilians.

For Kyiv, the remarks signal renewed attention to Ukraine's security needs as Zelenskyy travels among Western capitals. The guidance would be significant if translated into practice, but experts emphasized that turning rhetoric into policy would require careful coordination among allies and risk assessment in real time.

As the story unfolds, observers will monitor whether the Trump comment translates into any formal policy changes or additional assurances from NATO members. The conversation also highlights the fluid dynamics of U.S. politics and international security debates, where statements by high-profile leaders can shape the tempo of diplomacy in other capitals.