Following a series of airspace violations by Russia impacting NATO member states, Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, Chair of the European Parliament’s Committee on Security and Defence, has expressed caution regarding a proposal from conservative factions to shoot down Russian aircraft.
Speaking to the Tagesspiegel newspaper, Strack-Zimmermann acknowledged the primary function of national air forces is to prevent incursions and redirect unauthorized aircraft. However, she emphasized that engaging in aerial combat should be considered a last resort, stating that air forces will be capable of determining appropriate responses.
Strack-Zimmermann anticipates further provocations from Moscow. She suggested that Russian President Vladimir Putin is likely to escalate tactics aimed at instilling fear and anxiety within European societies. She stressed the importance of avoiding escalation while accelerating efforts to equip national armed forces to fully meet their NATO obligations.
Sara Nanni, Green Party spokesperson for security policy within the Bundestag, echoed the cautious stance regarding direct military action. Nanni characterized Russia’s actions as deliberate provocations intended to test NATO’s military judgment and political resilience. She warned that a retaliatory military response would be counterproductive and risk creating dangerous escalatory dynamics, stating that the loss of Russian pilots would unlikely alter Putin’s trajectory given the ongoing casualties in Ukraine.
Nanni urged for the rapid implementation of political measures, even those that may be difficult to implement. She specifically called for an immediate cessation of Schengen visa issuance to Russian citizens and the expedited seizure and liquidation of Russian assets. The goal, according to Nanni, should be to increase pressure on those individuals and entities within Russia that sustain Putin’s political and economic regime.
