European diplomats express concern over President Trump's muted response to Russian drones violating Polish airspace, fearing a lack of accountability for Russia. While NATO allies condemned the incident, Trump's reaction was seen as aligning more with Russian rhetoric, raising doubts about U.S. commitment to European security.
European Concerns Rise Over Trump's Response to Russian Drone Incursion
European Concerns Rise Over Trump's Response to Russian Drone Incursion
"Here we go!" That was Donald Trump's reaction to the swarm of Russian drones shot down in Poland earlier this week. Now, diplomats in Europe are worried about the president's reluctance to hold Russia accountable.
"With this American administration, we can't trust anything," a senior German official told Reuters.
Poland, supported by fighter jets from other NATO countries, shot down 19 Russian drones that violated its airspace overnight on Wednesday.
Western leaders were quick to condemn the incident, but the White House's response was notably absent. It wasn't until Wednesday evening, Swedish time, that Donald Trump made his first statement.
"What's the deal with Russia violating Poland's airspace with drones? Here we go!" the American president wrote on his own platform, Truth Social.
Concerns: "Can't Trust Anything"
The following day, when pressed by journalists about the drone incursion, Trump said it "could have been a mistake." This phrasing aligns more with Russian rhetoric than NATO's, which considers it a deliberate act.
Trump's restrained reaction has caused concern in Europe. Several diplomats told Reuters that an incident of this nature under any other president since the Cold War would likely have triggered a red alert in Washington and resulted in a swift and forceful response—not the "public shrug" that some officials liken Trump's response to.
On Friday, the U.S. did join Western allies in a joint statement to express concern over the incursion and accuse Moscow of violating international law and the UN Charter. However, a senior German diplomat told the news agency that the country has still acted "hesitantly" in discussions about the drones.
"With this American administration, we can't trust anything. But we have to pretend we can."
"No one in NATO has felt particularly reassured by the U.S. so far. Washington's silence has been almost deafening," said another Eastern European diplomat.
"Not Ready to Defend Ourselves"
Some speculate that Trump's moderate reaction may be a strategy to avoid provoking Vladimir Putin. Most, however, believe it is yet another example of his "America First" policy, where Europe is urged to take greater responsibility for its own security and bear the cost of helping Ukraine defend itself against Russia.
"The drone attack showed that we are not ready to defend ourselves against drones. We must develop capabilities as soon as possible," the German official told Reuters.