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This is an archive article published on March 20, 2022

Quixplained: Why Ukraine wants a no-fly zone, why is NATO reluctant?

What is a no-fly zone? Why Ukraine does want a no-fly zone? Why is NATO reluctant?

A US Air Force F-15C Eagle assigned to the 493rd Fighter Squadron, Royal Air Force (RAF) Lakenheath, takes off in support of North Atlantic Treaty Organization enhanced air policing missions with the Polish Air Force at Lask Air Base, Poland, Feb. 15, 2022. (Tech. Sgt. Jacob Albers/U.S. Air Force via AP)A US Air Force F-15C Eagle assigned to the 493rd Fighter Squadron, Royal Air Force (RAF) Lakenheath, takes off in support of North Atlantic Treaty Organization enhanced air policing missions with the Polish Air Force at Lask Air Base, Poland, Feb. 15, 2022. (Tech. Sgt. Jacob Albers/U.S. Air Force via AP)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has renewed his call to NATO to impose a no-fly zone over the country. However, NATO leaders have said they aren’t willing as they fear that such a move could drag them into a broader war with Russia. Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that any nation that tried to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine would in effect be “participating in the armed conflict”, hinting at a threat of Russian retaliation.

So, what is a no-fly zone? Why does Ukraine want a no-fly zone? Why is NATO reluctant?

Russia has established a no-fly zone over Ukraine’s Donbass region. A no-fly zone bans aircraft in a specified area. Neither Ukraine nor Russia is a member of NATO. Russia has been attacking Ukraine through ground force operations, not aircraft. Since 1990s, the US and allies declared four no-fly zones.

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