From Fox News: Eastern European leaders are urging President Donald Trump to keep U.S. troops on NATO’s eastern flank after a wave of Russian air and drone incursions, warning that Vladimir Putin is “pushing the limits” and will “believe only what he sees” from allied defenses.
In interviews with Fox News Digital, ministers from Estonia, Lithuania and Romania said the alliance must harden its posture — moving from air policing to integrated air and missile defenses, sharpening rules of engagement and sustaining U.S. troop rotations — to prevent Russia from normalizing violations and eroding Article 5 credibility. They paired the military message with calls for tighter sanctions and an end to European energy dependence that funds the Kremlin’s war machine.
Their appeals land as Washington weighs a new national security strategy aimed at prioritizing homeland defense. Before the most recent incursions, U.S. officials had cautioned allies to prepare for a reduction of the American footprint, pressing Europe to take on a greater share of the burden.
“We hope U.S. troops remain in the region. Their presence secures peace and sends a clear signal,” Estonia’s foreign minister Margus Tsahkna said. “Putin understands only the language of strength. His goal is the restoration of the Soviet empire.”
The report explains that around 80,000 American troops are currently stationed across Europe.
Just in September alone, Russian drones were detected in Polish and Romanian airspace, while Russian missile-carrying MiG-29s briefly passed over into Estonian airspace, the report explains.
NATO Sec. Gen. Mark Rutte is sounding the alarm over the Russian drones buzzing overhead.
Just spoke with Denmark’s PM Mette Frederiksen @Statsmin about the drone situation, which we take very seriously. NATO Allies and Denmark are working together on how we can ensure the safety and security of our critical infrastructure
— Mark Rutte (@SecGenNATO) September 25, 2025
“Glad to meet @SecRubio in New York at the Transatlantic Dinner. We discussed increasing pressure on Russia and strengthening military support for Ukraine to help pave the way for a just and lasting peace. I also thanked him for the U.S. support following Russia’s blatant airspace violation over Estonia last week. Transatlantic and @NATO unity remains vital in these turbulent times,” Tsahkna wrote.
Glad to meet @SecRubio in New York at the Transatlantic Dinner.
We discussed increasing pressure on Russia and strengthening military support for Ukraine to help pave the way for a just and lasting peace.
I also thanked him for the U.S. support following Russia’s blatant… pic.twitter.com/z577Uw6jnr
— Margus Tsahkna (@Tsahkna) September 25, 2025
In another post, he added, “The Soviet Union waged a world war, deported millions, and walked away with no accountability. No justice. Now we see the consequences. Russia wages another war of aggression. Commits war crimes with impunity. This cycle must end. Russia must be held accountable. Not just for Ukraine, not just for history, but for the security of our future. I stressed that yesterday at the side event on ensuring accountability for Russian crimes.”
The Soviet Union waged a world war, deported millions, and walked away with no accountability. No justice.
Now we see the consequences. Russia wages another war of aggression. Commits war crimes with impunity.
This cycle must end. Russia must be held accountable.Not just for… pic.twitter.com/WO5rG1dBwP
— Margus Tsahkna (@Tsahkna) September 25, 2025
❝We do not want to see a continuation of this dangerous pattern by Russia – intentional or not. But we stand ready and willing to continue to defend every inch of Allied territory.❞
— @SecGenNATO Mark Rutte following a meeting of the North Atlantic Council under Article 4
— NATO (@NATO) September 23, 2025
From aboard the world’s largest aircraft carrier, @CVN78_GRFord 🚢✈️, NATO Allies showcase strength, cooperation and unity at sea 🌊.
During #NeptuneStrike 25-3, our forces train together to:
🔹 Safeguard freedom of navigation
🔹 Protect maritime approaches
🔹 Reinforce… pic.twitter.com/hfEjZUylwy— NATO Allied Joint Force Command Brunssum – JFCBS (@NATOJFCBS) September 25, 2025
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