Retired NATO commander suggests no-fly zone to save Ukraine

A retired US Navy admiral and former NATO supreme allied commander, James Stavridis, has suggested establishing a no-fly zone over Ukraine to counter increasing Russian drone and missile strikes.

Over the past three years, Ukraine has faced relentless attacks from Russian drones, manned bombers, and cruise missiles, including hypersonic Iskander missiles targeting Kyiv, he writes in his op-ed for Bloomberg, Caliber.Az reports. 

Despite President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s repeated calls for Western allies to “close the skies,” NATO has refrained from imposing a no-fly zone due to fears of direct military confrontation with Russia. Such a move would require NATO jets to patrol Ukrainian airspace and potentially neutralise Russian anti-air defences, raising the risk of escalation.

However, recent Russian drone incursions into NATO member Poland and possibly Romania have intensified discussions. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte described the Poland incident as part of a pattern, prompting calls for NATO forces to be empowered to shoot down hostile drones over Ukraine.

NATO’s Operation Eastern Sentry, featuring advanced fighter jets including US F-35s and European combat aircraft, could be expanded to enforce a no-fly zone. Stavridis also emphasised the need for stronger economic sanctions, seizure of Russian frozen assets, and longer-range weapons deliveries to Ukraine.

While acknowledging the risks of escalation, Stavridis argued that the growing threat posed by Russia’s aggressive tactics makes establishing a no-fly zone a necessary step to protect Ukraine and deter Moscow’s ambitions.

By Sabina Mammadli