Current Affairs

Issue

President of Ukraine has asked NATO to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine to limit attacks from Russian warplanes.

 

Background

Russia has invaded Ukraine in order to realize its geopolitical ambitions in Europe.

 

Details

• NATO has rejected the request of no-fly zone saying that such move would drag the alliance directly into the war against Russia.

• The United States has categorically stated that they will not be directly involved in a conflict with Russia.

• No-fly zones are restrictions imposed to stop a country from using warplanes to attack military targets or civilians on the ground.

 

Consequences

• If declared, NATO will be responsible for patrolling the area with its airplanes and would need to fire at enemy to ensure the safety of civilians on the ground.

• The grouping would have to incapacitate air defense network of adversary, including air communication and radars.

• NATO would have to deploy refueling tankers and electronic-surveillance aircraft to support the mission. 

• It would drag US into another unwanted full-fledged war, straining its resources and attracting criticism from American public.

 

Reasons for rejection

• Accepting request by Ukraine would require NATO to take over the air war that Ukraine is currently waging against Russian attacks.

• Creation of no-fly zone above Ukraine would be viewed as "participation" in the conflict. A nuclear war would be likely.

 

Recent moves of no-fly zone

Lastly, the no-fly zone was imposed over Iraq during the Gulf War. It was also imposed over Bosnia and Herzegovina during the Balkans conflict.