

Is Nato ready to shoot down Russian jets?
14 snips Sep 23, 2025
Jan Lipavský, Czech Republic's Foreign Minister, joins Victoria and Vitaly to discuss NATO's readiness against Russian airspace incursions. He emphasizes the need for national decision-making on shooting down jets and assures confidence in NATO's protection for Czechia. The conversation dives into Putin's motives for testing NATO and the importance of solidarity among allies. Jan also touches on the impact of US policies, energy independence, and domestic political risks for Czech foreign policy. A fascinating blend of geopolitics and national security!
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NATO's Public Deterrence Stance
- NATO has publicly warned it will use all military and non-military tools to defend member states, signalling deterrence beyond words.
- The alliance frames its commitment to Article 5 as "ironclad," stressing collective defence as central to response choices.
Warnings Without Action Invite More Tests
- Lack of firm consequences has encouraged further Russian probing of NATO airspace.
- Repeated verbal warnings without follow-through are portrayed as invitations to escalate.
Turkey's 2015 Shootdown Example
- Turkey shot down a Russian fighter jet in 2015 after it spent 17 seconds in Turkish airspace following warnings.
- That incident is cited as a clear precedent showing words can be backed by force when sovereignty is violated.