Europe may create 'sky shield' with hundred aircraft to defend Ukraine from Russian attacks
Illustrative photo: Europe may create a "sky shield" to protect against Russian attacks on Ukraine (armyinform.jpg)
European air forces, with 120 fighter jets, could defend the skies over Kyiv and Western Ukraine from Russian attacks. This would help avoid escalating the conflict with Moscow, The Guardian reports.
According to the media resource, the "air shield" will be a European-led air protection zone under European leadership, operating separately from NATO. It will be used to stop Russian cruise missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. It may also function as part of the "truce in the sky."
The shield’s coverage could extend to three operational nuclear power plants in Ukraine, the cities of Odesa and Lviv, but not to the frontline or the eastern part of the country. According to a recently published document, it could “achieve greater military, political, and socioeconomic impact than 10,000 European ground troops”.
"The implementation of Sky Shield would be an important component of Europe’s stepping up, guaranteeing Ukraine’s security effectively and efficiently," said Gabrielius Landsbergis, a former Lithuanian foreign minister.
Although the options for this proposal have been discussed with no progress since Russia began its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the fresh version of the plan gained new momentum this week following a meeting between President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump.
The "air shield" project was developed by former RAF planning specialists working together with the Ukrainian armed forces, and it was proposed to European ministries of defense. However, they showed little willingness to sanction the patrolling of Ukraine's skies while the war is ongoing.
Recent events have intensified the debate about the possibility of protecting part of Ukraine’s airspace, which could become an important element of security guarantees in the event of a ceasefire. However, there are concerns within Western political circles that involving NATO fighters might escalate the conflict if Russian forces attack or shoot down one of the planes.
At the same time, supporters of the initiative believe the risk to pilots is minimal, as Moscow has not dared to use combat aviation outside the front line since 2022. According to the plan's developers, the distance between NATO planes and Russian fighters would exceed 200 km, reducing the likelihood of a direct collision.
Ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia
Recently, the press service of President Zelenskyy explained that any potential ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia must have strong security guarantees.
Recent reports have indicated that Europe is developing a plan to send soldiers to Ukraine. According to the latest information, European countries are ready to allocate up to 30,000 troops for such a mission.
Some time ago, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is eager to sit at the negotiating table as soon as possible to achieve a reliable peace.
"Nobody wants peace more than Ukrainians. My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts. We are ready to work fast to end the war," Zelenskyy stated.
