Western officials back Sky Shield plan to take down Russian targets over Ukraine, Le Monde says
Photo: The initiative would require up to 120 aircraft (Getty Images)
Western officials are supporting Ukraine's Sky Shield initiative, which calls for Europe to intercept Russian drones and missiles over western Ukraine, Le Monde reports.
Le Monde reported that after the drone incident in Poland, Europe can no longer rely on a defense strategy limited to shooting down drones only over its own territory. Waiting until Russian missiles cross European borders would hand the initiative to Moscow. The outlet argued that this logic must change, with protection raised to a higher level.
That would mean intercepting Russian targets in Ukrainian airspace before they reach Europe, while also protecting Ukraine's population. The Sky Shield plan is designed to do just that.
According to Le Monde, the initiative was developed by the Ukrainian civic group Price of Freedom and has the backing of several hundred European and American political leaders and senior officers. It is meant to meet both objectives.
The plan envisions Europe shooting down Russian missiles and drones over Ukraine while safeguarding critical infrastructure, nuclear power plants, civilians, and European territory. Le Monde stated that to carry out the mission, 120 allied aircraft would be sufficient.
It also emphasized that such action would not amount to aggression against Russia. International conventions on humanitarian aid, nuclear protection, and civil aviation, it noted, fully justify these measures.
Protecting western Ukraine would allow the Armed Forces of Ukraine to concentrate on the eastern front. It would also support the economy, strengthen nuclear security, boost public morale, and expand Ukraine's defense industry. Such a strategy could increase Russia's likelihood of agreeing to ceasefire talks.
What is known about the Sky Shield initiative
The European Sky Shield for Ukraine is a defense strategy proposed by a Ukrainian organization. It is designed to protect western and central Ukraine from Russian missile and drone attacks during the full-scale invasion.
The plan, formally known as Sky Shield, envisions an integrated air defense zone managed by a coalition of NATO member states willing to participate, but independent of the Alliance’s official command.
The mission would involve combat air patrols with up to 120 European fighter jets over Ukraine, coordinated with the Ukrainian Air Force.
"SkyShield aims to protect critical infrastructure, including Ukraine’s operational nuclear power plants, major cities like Kyiv, Lviv, and Odesa, and vital economic corridors. The plan would not include operations in eastern parts of Ukraine," open sources say.
Russian drones in Poland
On the night of August 10, during a mass Russian strike on Ukraine, about 20 drones crossed into Polish airspace.
Poland scrambled fighter jets. Air defenses shot down four drones, while debris from 16 others was found.
In response, NATO launched Operation Eastern Sentry. That same day, Polish President Karol Nawrocki signed a resolution authorizing the deployment of Alliance troops in the country.
