President Donald Trump called on NATO countries to shoot down Russian jets that violate their airspace during a bilateral meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The remarks were made in New York City, where both leaders were attending the United Nations General Assembly meeting. Trump’s statement came in response to a reporter’s question, where he unequivocally endorsed the idea of taking hostile military action against Russian aircraft.
Following the statement, Trump intensified his criticism of the United Nations, accusing it of undermining U.S. efforts to achieve peace and creating additional problems for its members. He claimed the organization is complicit in facilitating illegal immigration by providing resources to those who enter the U.S. illegally, arguing that the UN is supposed to stop invasions rather than enable them. Trump emphasized that the UN’s role should be to halt incursions, not to fund or support them.
Trump further highlighted the impact of uncontrolled migration, suggesting that the situation is unsustainable and that Western nations are suffering due to their perceived political correctness. He praised El Salvador for its aggressive stance against illegal immigration, stating that the country’s actions have effectively curtailed the flow of migrants entering the United States. Trump also reiterated that the U.S. has taken bold steps to address the issue, resulting in a decrease in the number of illegal immigrants crossing the border.
These remarks have sparked debate over the appropriate response to airspace violations by foreign military aircraft, as well as the effectiveness of the UN’s role in global governance. Critics argue that suggesting the use of lethal force against unarmed aircraft could escalate tensions, while supporters view it as a necessary stance to protect national sovereignty and deter aggression.