Finland to weigh risks before shooting down Russian jets — Stubb

His statement came after he was asked about U.S. President Donald Trump’s remarks suggesting NATO members should be ready to shoot down Russian aircraft that breach their airspace.

Stubb described Trump’s comments as another example of the “carrot-and-stick” approach of the U.S. leader.

He highlighted the country's strategy, introduced with a measured, threat-based response.

"Helsinki will remain calm in these situations and evaluate the level of threat before taking any action," he said.

The debate follows recent Russian airspace incursions.
On Sept. 19, three MiG-31 fighter jets entered Estonian airspace for 12 minutes over the Gulf of Finland near the island of Vaindloo, just 81 kilometers from Helsinki — the fourth violation of Estonian airspace by Russia this year and an unprecedented one in scale.

Estonian intelligence later reported that the MiG pilots ignored signals from Italian jets patrolling the skies.
Russia’s Defense Ministry denied the violation, calling it a “planned flight” over the Baltic Sea.

The incident prompted Estonia to hold snap air-defense exercises and for the first time to call a UN Security Council session on the issue.

On Sept. 23, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the alliance will decide on any shoot-downs of Russian aircraft based on the situation, stressing that NATO has all the necessary defenses to protect “every inch of allied territory” and will respond “calmly but decisively.”

NATO’s statement also highlighted that other members, including Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Romania, have also faced Russian airspace violations, and reaffirmed “full solidarity” with all affected allies.