The Secretary General entrusts the decision on the rules of engagement to the military leadership, excluding political interference. He will not have it shot down 'for an occasional entry' into NATO airspace

The question of rules of engagement in response to the frequent violations of NATO airspace by Russian warplanes was clarified today by the Secretary General of the Atlantic Alliance, Mark Rutte, during his speech at the 71st Annual Session of the NATO Parliamentary Assembly currently underway (10-13 October) in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The leader of the Alliance sought to reassure member states and public opinion, emphasizing NATO's military superiority over Russia. The line of conduct, Rutte explained, is one of measured firmness, avoiding immediate and disproportionate responses that could trigger an unnecessary escalation.

"It is not strictly necessary to shoot down a Russian jet the moment it enters our airspace", the Secretary General said, explaining that such an action would be a clear sign of weakness if NATO were in a position of inferiority, but that, given the Alliance's current strength and deterrence, the approach can be more measured.

Rutte specified that the decision on the possible shooting down of an aircraft rests solely with military commanders and must be based on an objective assessment of the danger. "Our military are tasked to act only if the Russian aircraft constitute a direct threat. It is right that the assessment be made by them", he said, warning against any political interference in an area that is strictly operational, such as rules of engagement.

The intervention by Rutte, held in the context of the important meeting bringing together parliamentarians from member countries to discuss euro-Atlantic security challenges, aims to define a clear and coordinated position in the face of continued aerial provocations by Moscow along the eastern flank. His statement reinforces the principle that NATO is ready to defend every inch of its territory, but with a strategy that balances operational readiness and diplomatic responsibility.