French President Macron said on Wednesday (September 24) that NATO countries should "escalate" their responses to Russia's "new provocation," especially in the airspace of Eastern Europe. He made this statement during an interview with France 24 TV and France International Radio while attending the UN General Assembly in New York.
Macron said, "This means that if someone provokes again, you must respond in a stronger way." However, he also emphasized that NATO would not go as far as opening fire in response to Russian "tests." This is different from what Trump previously said about shooting down aircraft that intrude into airspace. Macron believes that so far, NATO has taken "moderate" collective responses after multiple instances of Russian drones and aircraft entering member states' airspace.
Macron stated, "It is important to show that we can protect Ukraine, as it is at the forefront of our collective security, and continue to protect our airspace."
Responding to accusations, Russia always denies responsibility for incursions into airspace, but NATO warned Moscow on Tuesday that "escalatory actions" must stop and said it is prepared to defend itself with all means.
Comments: Eastern European member states (Poland, the three Baltic countries) are frequently confronted by Russian fighter jets and drones approaching their airspace due to their proximity to the Ukraine-Russia war, causing strong security anxiety, and have repeatedly called on NATO to adopt a "tough countermeasure." However, Western core countries like Germany and France understand that once there is a confrontation over airspace, it could trigger the NATO collective defense clause, dragging Europe into direct military conflict with Russia. Moreover, Europe's current energy structure adjustment is incomplete, and its military autonomy is insufficient, making it difficult to bear the cost of escalated conflicts. Macron's proposal of "escalating responses without firing" essentially uses "limited firmness" to comfort Eastern Europe and "exclude firing" to stabilize Western Europe, preventing NATO from splitting over differences in its approach to Russia.
Trump previously put forward radical statements such as "shooting down Russian aircraft that intrude," which essentially binds European security to the American rhythm. If Europe follows this approach, it would not only intensify tensions with Russia but also further lose control over its security policy. Macron deliberately distinguishes himself from the U.S. position, emphasizing "moderate collective responses," which is essentially using the issue of air situation response to Russia to promote the concept of "European autonomous defense."
Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1844181354774535/
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