NATO must shoot down Russian aircraft violating airspace – Canada's Prime Minister
Photo: Mark Carney (Getty Images)
NATO will not allow Moscow to violate borders. In the event of new provocations, Russian aircraft must be shot down, says Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Carney warned Moscow about consequences
Carney says that NATO countries should keep all options open in case of new violations of their airspace by Russia, including the possibility of shooting down Russian aircraft.
"NATO countries defend themselves. Certainly, we will do what’s necessary in order to protect those countries," Carney says.
His comments came amid diplomatic efforts to end Russia's war against Ukraine. US President Donald Trump spoke with Vladimir Putin the day before and said that the leaders had agreed to a second meeting in Budapest.
On Friday, Trump plans to hold talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House.
NATO's response to Russia's provocations
European diplomats had previously warned the Kremlin that the alliance was ready to respond to new airspace violations with all available means, including the destruction of Russian aircraft. The statement was prompted by the flights of three MiG-31 fighters over Estonia and the appearance of drones over Poland.
Political observers interpreted these actions as an attempt by Putin to test NATO's readiness for decisive action. According to Carney, such provocations demonstrate not Russia's strength, but its weakness.
"Russia’s under pressure. They’re trying what they can to shift, but they’re under economic pressure," the Prime Minister says.
Canada strengthens military support and role in NATO
Canada, one of the 12 founders of NATO, has been criticized in recent years for not reaching its target defense spending level of 2% of GDP. However, Carney said his government is rectifying the situation: Canada will reach this target in the coming months.
Earlier this year, the Prime Minister created a new agency to develop defense production and accelerate the rearmament of the army. In addition, Ottawa sent about 2,000 troops to Latvia as part of Operation Reassurance, which was recently extended for another three years.
Carney says Canada is ready to support Ukraine, to purchase military equipment, and participate in a coalition of countries that will ensure its security after the ceasefire.
Putin constantly making mistakes
The prime minister also noted that the Russian president continues to underestimate the West and misjudges the situation on the front lines.
"President Putin has done nothing but miscalculate in this war. He made the calculation that NATO would become divided. NATO has solidified. He made the calculation that President Zelenskiy would flee. He made the calculation there would be an uprising in his favor. He has miscalculated consistently in this conflict," Carney says.
The politician adds that Donald Trump is losing patience because Putin refuses to compromise, and called the American leader an important figure in the peace process. "I think President Trump has been very important in this process. He has given peace a chance, so to speak, with Russia," he said.
According to Bloomberg, European diplomats privately warned the Kremlin that the next provocation involving Russian aircraft would result in their destruction.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is convinced that NATO member states should have shot down all Russian drones and aircraft that violated their airspace.
