Trump dismisses Russian threat to NATO as US peace envoys head to Moscow and Kyiv
Donald Trump rejected concerns over Russian sabotage at Leipzig airport and announced envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are travelling to Moscow and Kyiv with a peace plan.
Dismissal of sabotage threat
United States President Donald Trump stated on Friday that Russian President Vladimir Putin does not plan to attack NATO territory, rejecting assertions that an explosive drone incident in Germany constituted a direct assault on the alliance. The statement followed the discovery of a drone fitted with explosives and a detonator in early August at Leipzig/Halle airport, located between Ukrainian cargo aircraft in a secure zone. The airport operates as a transit hub for Western military shipments to Ukraine, and United States intelligence agencies identified strong indications connecting Moscow to the device. A second explosive-laden drone was discovered at another NATO logistics hub. When questioned at the White House whether the Leipzig device amounted to a Russian strike on an alliance member, Trump dismissed concerns about wider Russian aggression.
I speak to him. I know him very well. Putin is not looking to attack NATO territory.
Allied response and alliance friction
European security officials describe the drone incidents as part of a campaign of Russian hybrid warfare against nations supporting Ukraine. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte expressed support for Germany and welcomed retaliatory measures implemented by Berlin in response to the sabotage attempts. German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius is scheduled to travel to Washington later this month to discuss the incident with United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The public disagreement over Russian intent occurs as European allies re-evaluate their reliance on United States defense commitments. A Politico poll recorded a sharp decline in trust in Washington across four key NATO member states over the past year, following repeated statements by Trump threatening withdrawal from the 32-member alliance and criticizing allies for not aiding in the Iran war.
- Explosive drone discovered near Ukrainian cargo aircraft at Leipzig/Halle airport
- CIA Director John Ratcliffe visits Moscow to warn the Kremlin against attacking NATO allies
- Donald Trump dismisses Russian attack threats and announces peace envoy mission
- Envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff scheduled to arrive in Kyiv following Moscow talks
- German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius scheduled to meet US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth in Washington
Diplomatic initiative to Moscow and Kyiv
Alongside his remarks on NATO security, Trump announced a renewed diplomatic effort to end the war in Ukraine. Special envoys Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff were dispatched on a joint mission to Moscow and Kyiv carrying a peace proposal. Trump noted that the administration sent the envoys to explore whether progress could be achieved, stating that an opportunity for a resolution exists. The journey represents the first trip to the Ukrainian capital for Kushner and Witkoff since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022. The two envoys previously traveled to Moscow in January for negotiations with Putin.
Ukrainian conditions and security protocol
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed the diplomatic itinerary in an evening video address, noting that Kushner and Witkoff will conduct meetings in Moscow before traveling to Kyiv on Sunday. Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine will pause all air strikes for the duration of the American delegation's talks to ensure safe proceedings. He called on the Kremlin to enact a reciprocal halt to aerial bombardments. The Ukrainian government announced it would ensure normal airspace management for the United States diplomats, matching protocols established during previous official visits. Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov did not confirm the visit.
