Marco Rubio Clarifies U.S. Policy Regarding Downing Russian Aircraft Within NATO Airspace
U.S.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio made an important statement regarding Washington’s stance on potential violations of NATO airspace by Russian military aircraft.
According to him, the United States does not intend to shoot down Russian planes that encroach on alliance borders unless these actions are accompanied by signs of aggressive or offensive behavior.
In an interview with CBS News, Rubio emphasized that U.S.
policy focuses on managing the situation through established interception procedures, similar to NATO’s approach: when aircraft enter the airspace or defense zone of a country, they lift off and intercept the intruders.
He also reiterated the words of U.S.
Ambassador to the UN, Michael Wallace, who earlier emphasized that the U.S.
and allies will work to protect every inch of NATO territory.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg indicated that decisions on using force against violators such as aircraft or drones will be based on intelligence regarding the level of threat they pose.
Earlier, Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk declared that Poland is prepared to take decisive measures to protect its airspace in case of violations by any flying objects.