On Saturday, Russian President Vladimir Putin appeared to welcome the North Atlantic Treaty Organization’s refusal to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine, warning that Russia would consider such a policy to be a declaration of war.
A no-fly zone is a security measure that restricts or bans the movement of any planes over a specific territory. They are imposed to protect critical infrastructure such as public places or historical sites. In the context of war, the breach of such zones can result in the shooting down of planes, destruction of anti-air defence systems, or massive use of military force.
🗣️ Watch: Vladimir Putin warns the West that he would regard any no-fly zone over Ukraine as an act of war against Russia.
— The Telegraph (@Telegraph) March 5, 2022
Follow the latest on our liveblog 👇https://t.co/M5xUHtiYyQ pic.twitter.com/qMln4vn73U
During a meeting with members of Russian airlines on Saturday, Putin cautioned that an imposition of a no-fly zone over Ukraine would lead to “tremendous and disastrous” consequences for Europe and the world. Putin claimed that Russia’s “military operation” in Ukraine is practically over, asserting that Russian forces have already destroyed military infrastructure. He then warned that any country that imposes a no-fly zone will be seen as “hostile” towards Russia and as a direct participant in the war.
Earlier on Friday, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that the military alliance will continue to support Ukraine but affirmed that it will not impose a no-fly zone, as it would risk starting a “full-fledged war in Europe.” Stoltenberg stressed, “We (NATO) are not part of this conflict,” adding that the Alliance seeks to avoid any further escalation of the situation.
We need a no-fly zone to prevent the potential of a nuclear disaster
— Kay Burley (@KayBurley) March 7, 2022
Ukrainian MP @lesiavasylenko makes urgent appeal to NATO members#KayBurley wx pic.twitter.com/ElqKjSLFMg
Echoing these concerns, lawmakers in the United States (US) have said that a no-fly zone over Ukraine could lead to the “beginning of World War III.”
In response, Zelensky slammed NATO for its “weak” and “confused” stance on the imposition of the no-fly zone, alleging that the Alliance has given up on Ukraine’s struggle for freedom. The Ukrainian leader criticised NATO’s decision by saying, “Today, the leadership of the alliance gave the green light for further bombing of Ukrainian cities and villages, having refused to set up a no-fly zone.”
In his latest video address, Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky blasts NATO for its refusal to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine, says it's a sign of weakness. Says the only assistance Ukraine received so far through NATO procurement system is 50 tons of diesel pic.twitter.com/dxWuXnA53K
— Olga Tokariuk (@olgatokariuk) March 5, 2022