5 Things To Know About the Call for a No-Fly Zone in Ukraine

This week, Ukraine's president asked members of Congress to establish a no-fly zone against Russia. Here's why that won't happen.

Kimberly Johnson

Friday, March 18, 2022 at 05:17 PM ET

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A no-fly zone declaration would require shooting down Russian aircraft like this Sukhoi Su-25. [File photo: Shutterstock]

Key Takeaways:

Establishing a no-fly zone over Ukraine is widely considered by U.S. lawmakers and NATO as tantamount to a declaration of war against Russia, risking a broader conflict and increased human suffering.
NATO remains on heightened alert due to Russian military activity near its borders and airspace but is committed to preventing a direct escalation into a full-fledged war between the Alliance and Russia.
Instead of a no-fly zone, the U.S. and allies are providing Ukraine with substantial military aid, including ground-based air defense systems, anti-armor weapons, drones, and ammunition, to help them defend their territory and skies.

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As the war in Ukraine enters its fourth week, the world continues to ask what can be done to stop the brutal onslaught against innocent civilians.

This week, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a direct appeal to members of Congress to help “close the sky over Ukraine,” including establishing a no-fly zone. Here’s what that request really means for the U.S. and other NATO countries.