‘We don’t like it’ Trump warns US will defend Poland and Baltics if Russia keeps escalating:
President Trump gives brief comments about NATO before flying to Arizona on Sunday for close friend Charlie Kirk’s funeral. Getty Images
On Friday, Estonia reported that three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets violated its airspace, remaining for approximately 12 minutes before being intercepted by NATO forces. The Kremlin swiftly denied the allegation, insisting that the flights were conducted “in strict accordance with international rules” and “without violating the borders of other countries.”
The incident follows a recent series of airspace violations involving NATO members. Just days earlier, Poland consulted with alliance partners after it reported a major breach by Russian military assets. On September 9, Polish officials claimed that between 19 and 23 Russian drones entered its airspace, with at least four of them shot down. Romania also reported that a Russian drone entered its territory during the same period.
Estonia, Poland, and Romania—all NATO members—were once under Soviet control, either as republics or satellite states. Under NATO’s collective defense clause, Article 5, an attack on one member is considered an attack on all, a principle that has taken on renewed significance amid growing Russian provocations.
President Trump, who has long expressed frustration with NATO over member states failing to meet defense spending commitments, has recently pressed the alliance to increase pressure on Russia. He is urging NATO partners to join the United States in imposing broader sanctions and tariffs—particularly targeting nations that continue purchasing Russian oil, thereby helping to finance Moscow’s military operations against Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the three Baltic nations—Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania—are urging continued U.S. military support through the Baltic Security Initiative. In a joint letter to Congress, the countries’ parliaments requested sustained funding in the 2026 Defense Appropriations Bill, amid concerns that the White House may propose cuts.
“We kindly ask you to support the funding of the Baltic Security Initiative in the fiscal year 2026 Defense Appropriations Bill and its authorization in the National Defense Appropriation Act,” the letter stated.
Russia’s recent actions—including escalations near NATO borders and intensified military operations in Ukraine—have unfolded just weeks after President Trump met with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss a possible resolution to the ongoing conflict. Since that meeting, the Kremlin has notably intensified its offensive in Ukraine, prompting renewed concern across the alliance.
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