Four reasons why we shouldn’t set up a no fly zone

Here are four reasons, written by Bournbrook staff, a no fly zone over Ukraine would be – to put it lightly – a bad idea.

The idea of a ‘no fly zone’ over Ukraine is being heavily pushed – particularly following an emotive address to the Prime Minister yesterday, on Tuesday.

Both UK and US officials have, so far, ruled out such a move.

Here are four reasons, written by Bournbrook staff, a no fly zone would be – to put it lightly – a bad idea.

1. A no fly zone entails not just air superiority, but air supremacy. It would involve not just "shooting at Russian jets”, as has been mooted, but at Russian airfields, radar and anti air installations – in Russia and Belarus. But it would also involve Russia doing the same to NATO airfields, radar and anti-air installations, which would be a clear Article Five moment. The consequences of this do not bear considering.

2. Russia has used very few of its fast jets, or even ground support. However, a no fly zone would bring them in the fight.

3. A no fly zone would also effectively ground the Ukrainian airforce and drones, which thus far have had some success.

4. It would swing the Russian people behind the current regime. It would literally prove Putin right that this is a war against NATO, and his popularity would go through the roof. It would destroy any hope of reaching the Russian people.

Sadly, we think that point four is likely the one to get the most cut through.