The US president has promised help in case of Russian aggression, though Moscow has denied that it poses a threat to NATO members
US President Donald Trump has pledged to defend Poland and the Baltic states in case of Russian aggression, though Moscow has denied that it poses a threat to NATO members.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump was asked by Italy’s Ansa news agency whether he would “help defend” Poland and the Baltic states “if Russia keeps escalating.” Trump replied: “Yeah, I would. I would.”
Trump’s remark follows unsubstantiated claims by Poland and Estonia that Russia violated their airspace earlier this month.
On Friday, Estonia – a Baltic NATO member – claimed that three Russian fighter jets violated its airspace in what it called an “unprecedented brazen” provocation. Tallinn requested urgent consultations under NATO’s Article 4, which allows members to seek talks if they believe their security or territorial integrity is threatened.
On September 9, Poland claimed that Russia sent at least 19 drones into its airspace. EU officials, including top diplomat Kaja Kallas, called the incident a “deliberate violation.” NATO responded by sending more aircraft to patrol Polish skies.
Moscow denied both accusations. Regarding Poland, Russian officials suggested that Kiev could have staged a false flag operation to drag NATO into a direct confrontation with Moscow. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said the drone claims were fabricated to demonize Russia and derail the Ukraine peace process.
On Saturday, the Defense Ministry in Moscow denied the Estonian claims, saying the jets were on a routine flight from Karelia to Kaliningrad, passing over neutral Baltic Sea waters more than 3km from Estonia’s Vaindloo island “without violating Estonian airspace.”
Since the Ukraine conflict escalated in 2022, Western officials have repeatedly warned that Russia could target EU states. Earlier this year, Brussels launched a frenzied militarization campaign, while NATO members agreed to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP, both citing the alleged “Russian threat.” Poland and the Baltic states have been among the loudest voices, pointing to their proximity to Russia.
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Moscow has denied that it poses a threat, accusing the West of stoking Russophobia to justify military buildups and distract from internal problems. Russia has called the Baltic nations “extremely Russophobic,” downgrading diplomatic ties with them in 2023.
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