Trump Vows to Defend Poland, Baltics Amid Russian Airspace Violations
President Donald Trump has reaffirmed the United States' commitment to defending Poland and the Baltic states in the event of escalated hostilities with Russia, following recent airspace violations by Russian military aircraft. Speaking to reporters on September 21, 2025, Trump stated, "Yeah, I would. I would" when asked about supporting these NATO allies if Russia intensifies its actions . This declaration comes amid heightened tensions in Eastern Europe, particularly after three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered Estonian airspace over the Gulf of Finland on September 19, remaining for approximately 12 minutes without authorization .
The Incursions
The Estonian government reported that the Russian aircraft violated its airspace near Vaindloo Island, marking the fifth such incident this year and the longest recorded incursion to date . The jets operated without flight plans, active transponders, or radio communication with Estonian air traffic control, leading to interception by Italian F-35s under NATO's Baltic Air Policing Mission . Estonia has summoned Russia's chargé d'affaires and requested an emergency UN Security Council meeting, citing the violation as "unprecedentedly brazen" and part of a broader pattern of Russian provocations . Moscow, however, denies any airspace breach, claiming the jets were conducting a scheduled flight over neutral Baltic waters .
Previous Incursions
This incident follows similar violations in recent weeks, including the penetration of Polish airspace by up to 23 Russian drones on September 9–10, which triggered NATO's Operation Eastern Sentry to bolster the alliance's eastern flank . While Russia attributed the drone incursion to navigational errors caused by electronic jamming, Polish and NATO officials deemed it a deliberate act . President Trump initially downplayed the Polish incident, suggesting it "could have been a mistake" , but his latest statement signals a firmer stance in support of regional allies.
NATO Solidarity
The repeated airspace violations have intensified calls for a unified NATO response. Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal emphasized the need for "shared situational awareness" under Article 4 consultations, while European leaders condemned Russia's actions as tests of Western resolve . NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte praised the alliance's "quick and decisive" interception efforts, underscoring its capacity to respond to provocations . Despite Trump's reaffirmation of defense commitments, his administration continues to engage diplomatically with Russia, including potential talks between Trump and Putin to address the Ukraine conflict .