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I don't think that makes sense. So now they are going to start shooting down Russian planes that come near them? That's not consistent with their claim of not wanting to start WWIII if they have to shoot down Russian planes. That's not what is going to happen at all.I stopped reading after you said “added the caveat”. I didn’t need to add it. The story you shared was about them shooting at an RAF plane. I didn’t think I needed to explain that
They are going to have fighter escorts to prevent anyone daring to shoot at them in the first place. It's a visible deterrent. I'm sure they would take out the Russian's if they really did attack a NATO plane but I bet they'd be as reluctant as hell to do so. I'd bet their rules of engagement would be absolutely gone over in triplicate to make sure there is absolutely no room for misunderstanding.
I actually agree with you that the Russian's would not be able to do anything about it. But that's my point, it's an EXCUSE for NATO not to get involved. Because if they shoot down a Russian plane and Russia don't respond by declaring war on NATO, then there is no excuse not to implement a no-fly zone over Ukraine. Zelensky would have a field day in the press with that. Can you imagine the ear-bleeding he'd be giving NATO world leaders? Look how pissy the US got when Poland put them in an embarrassing situation by offering to deliver the jets to the US -- who could then provide them to Ukraine.
TLDR: NATO are not scared of shooting down Russian planes because Russia will declare war on NATO. NATO are scared that Russia WON'T declare war on NATO.
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