Von der Leyen considers possibility of downing Russian aircraft entering NATO airspace

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has not ruled out the possibility that Russian aircraft irresponsibly entering the airspace of European states could be shot down.

"My opinion is we have to defend every square centimetre [of] territory, and that means if there’s an intrusion in the airspace, after warning, after being very clear, of course, the option of shooting down a fighter jet that is intruding our airspace is on the table," von der Leyen said in an interview with CNN.

On 19 September, three Russian MiG-31 fighter jets entered Estonian airspace over the Gulf of Finland without permission and remained there for a total of 12 minutes.

US President Donald Trump believes that NATO should shoot down Russian aircraft that violate its airspace.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said NATO would determine whether to use force against Russian aircraft or drones violating its airspace based on real-time intelligence about the level of threat they may pose.