European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen told CNN on 24/9 that shooting down an aircraft is "of course, one of the options that is always considered" if airspace is violated after clear warnings and notifications. She was asked to comment on the possibility of shooting down Russian aircraft violating the airspace of NATO member states.

Several NATO and European Union (EU) members, including Poland, Romania, Estonia, Denmark, and Norway, have recently accused Russia of drone incursions this month. Russia denies these allegations.

These incidents have heightened EU vigilance regarding airspace violations and accelerated a project for a "drone wall" involving member states near the conflict zone and Ukraine.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaks in Brussels, Belgium on 3/3. Photo: *AP*

Von der Leyen noted that the position of European Commission President does not have the authority to issue military orders. However, she supports a stronger EU response to threats. She accused Russia of waging a "hybrid war" against Europe, including espionage, cyberattacks, and election interference.

"Europe will respond on all fronts. Military action is NATO's domain, but I also want to make it clear: don't touch our territory," she said.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte explained the alliance's operational procedures on 23/9, noting that the decision to shoot down an intruding aircraft is always made "in real time, based on intelligence about the level of threat".

Former US President Donald Trump commented this week that European NATO countries could shoot down aircraft violating their airspace.

Eastern EU member states Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia border Russia and Belarus. Graphic: *BBC*

In an interview with Britain's LBC on 24/9, Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski declared that the military "has an obligation to defend territory, including airspace, and we will do what is necessary." He also supported intercepting drones and cruise missiles over Ukrainian territory before they pose a danger to NATO countries.

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper also said London was ready to take "all necessary measures to protect NATO's skies and territory," including countering the threat from "aircraft operating illegally in the alliance's airspace".

Moscow dismissed the accusations of drone incursions into NATO airspace as "anti-Russian hysteria." Russian Deputy Ambassador to the United Nations Dmitry Polyansky suggested it was a European tactic to pressure the US back into confrontation with Russia.

Thanh Danh (*CNN, Politico, RT*)