Wednesday (March 16th): Zelensky Calls for Closure of Skies

Name? Volodymyr Zelensky

Westphalian identity? Ukrainian

Age? 44

Why is he in the news? Today, President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, addressed the United States Congress asking for the implementation of a ‘no-fly zone’ over Ukraine. Zelensky requested this as Russian troops continue to bombard Ukrainian cities and increasingly cause civilian casualties. 

Why do we care?  Essentially, the no-fly zone that Zelensky is asking for would mean that NATO has to shoot down Russian aircraft flying over Ukraine. Consequently, a no-fly zone would lead to a direct confrontation between NATO and Russia, aka WWIII. Furthermore, the United States has been particularly wary of sending offensive military weapons to Ukraine, as Putin might see it as a direct involvement from the West.

Why should you care? Each day Russia continues the so-called ‘special military operation’ means that Zelensky will continue to pressure the West in sending military aid. So far, his public and personal appeals to leaders have yielded very positive results for him. His emotional addresses to the US and EU had previously accelerated the implementation of sanctions against Russia. However, as the West has drawn its line in the sand in how much it will commit to Ukraine, you should care 5/10 of Zelensky’s attempt to convince the US Congress. 

Who else cares? Putin cares about this situation as he already said that a no-fly zone would be considered an act of war against Russia. The West’s support for Zelensky has been a thorn in Putin’s side, as we saw last week with Russian missiles a few miles from the Polish border, on a checkpoint for Western aid to Ukraine. 

Any further comments? The United States Congress may not be supplying Zelensky with fighter jets, but instead will be supplying Ukraine with an extra $800 million dollars in security assistance. For the rest of Europe and NATO, sanctions, money, and non-combative military technology will be the most that are willing to give.