Britain ready to act as Trump backs NATO shooting down Russian planes, Cooper warns

Britain has signaled it is prepared to act if needed as Donald Trump urged NATO allies to shoot down Russian aircraft intruding into alliance airspace. In a bold display of allied unity, Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper told a United Nations Security Council meeting that "Ukraine's security is our security, and all of us depend on upholding the UN Charter," and she warned that NATO stands firm after a string of provocative airspace violations by Vladimir Putin's forces.

Cooper framed the current security landscape as dangerous and escalating, citing "provocative and reckless" incursions in Estonia, Poland and Romania. She said NATO will respond with both military and non-military tools as allowed by international law. In New York, President Trump was asked whether Russian planes in NATO airspace should be shot down; he replied, "Yes I do." The exchange came as Trump also appeared to signal a shift on Ukraine, arguing Kyiv can win back territory and casting doubt on Moscow's capabilities.

NATO condemned the Friday incursion by three MiG-31 jets, saying it was part of a wider pattern of increasingly irresponsible Russian behaviour. In a statement, the alliance warned Moscow that it should be in no doubt: NATO and allies will employ, in accordance with international law, all necessary military and non-military tools to defend ourselves and deter threats from all directions.

Former prime minister Boris Johnson criticized the UK and its allies for lacking the will, leadership and urgency to do more for Ukraine. He pressed for action on frozen Russian assets, sanctions on Rosneft and other measures, arguing these steps would fund Ukraine's defense. He was quoted as saying: "I'll tell you why. It's because we're still apprehensive about the consequences, and because we still fundamentally lack the will and the leadership and the sense of urgency to get this done."

The US president's remarks appeared to signal a sharper stance on Ukraine, with him publicly asserting that Kyiv can regain control of all territory it has lost and adopting a more combative tone toward Moscow's military.

Analysts said the episode underscores a broader strategic calculus for Europe and Washington, balancing deterrence with political risk at home. Allies must sustain military and financial support for Kyiv while avoiding a reckless escalation with Moscow. The United Nations, NATO and member states warned they will stand with Ukraine within the bounds of international law, and diplomats continue to weigh the next steps in diplomacy, sanctions and defense aid.