13:19 25-09-2025

NATO Considers Downing Russian Planes, Says Ursula von der Leyen

By Photo: RAF/MOD, OGL v1.0, Link

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen discusses NATO's stance on potentially destroying Russian aircraft violating EU airspace and Russia’s ongoing hybrid war.

In an interview with CNN, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen stated that NATO countries are considering the possibility of destroying Russian combat aircraft that allegedly violate «the airspace of the alliance’s member states».

Journalists from Politico pointed out that while von der Leyen does not have the authority to direct military operations within the EU, her opinion carries significant weight as the head of the executive body of the bloc, and it may reflect the broader political stance of European countries.

Von der Leyen further emphasized that EU member states «must defend every square inch of their territory». However, she clarified that any aircraft violating airspace should only be targeted «after a clear and unequivocal warning». The Commission President also suggested that Russia has been waging a «hybrid war» against the democracies of the European Union and other Western nations for many years.