Battleground 328. The New Red Line: When Will NATO Shoot Down a Russian Jet?
Sep 26, 2025
Russian airspace violations escalate tensions, with NATO meeting to discuss a collective response. The hosts explore Putin's internal politics, including nepotism and a puzzling nuclear strategy. Meanwhile, Trump's surprising pivot on Ukraine challenges the status quo. The conversation touches on the lessons of drone warfare and the demographic toll of the ongoing conflict. Factors influencing NATO’s decisions and regional security strategies also come under scrutiny, highlighting the precarious balance of power in Eastern Europe.
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NATO Hardens Its Airspace Rules
- NATO publicly signalled a tougher stance after Russian airspace violations, raising the risk calculus for Moscow.
- NATO commanders retain authority to shoot down intruders if assessed as an immediate threat.
Hawkish Words, Cautious Actions
- NATO rhetoric may aim to reassure eastern members while commanders act with caution on the ground.
- Experts note intruding jets weren't locking targets and thus didn't pose an immediate engagement-level threat.
Tactical Nuclear Diplomacy
- Putin offered a one-year conditional extension of New START as a diplomatic signal, not full disarmament.
- Moscow continues nuclear rhetoric as part of reflexive control to influence Western decisions.
