European air defense initiative targets safety in Ukraine
The Sky Shield project involves the deployment of European fighter jets over western Ukraine. The aim is to protect the airspace, including nuclear power plants and the cities of Odessa and Lviv, and enhance regional security.
According to Deutsche Welle, the Sky Shield project plans to deploy European fighter jets over western Ukraine.
The objective is to secure the airspace, including three operational nuclear power plants, the largest gas storage facility in the Styr area, and the cities of Odessa and Lviv. However, it does not extend to the frontline or the eastern part of the country.
The initiative is crucial for enhancing regional security, contributing to Ukraine's stability.
European air defence initiative
The "Sky Shield" project is a European initiative to protect Ukrainian airspace. The plan proposed by British military experts in 2022 involves deploying 120 fighter jets from European countries, independent of NATO. The aim is to defend Kyiv and western Ukraine from Russian missiles and drones.
The "Sky Shield" plan envisages protecting three nuclear power plants and the cities of Odessa and Lviv but does not cover the frontline or eastern Ukraine. As Deutsche Welle reported, the initiative could form part of an "air truce" proposed by the Ukrainian president.
There are concerns within Western political circles that involving NATO fighter jets might escalate the conflict with Russia. However, proponents of the project argue that the risk to pilots is low as Russia does not send its fighter jets beyond the frontline. The project is supported by notable figures such as former US General Philip Breedlove and former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis.
Implementing the "Sky Shield" would require a coalition fleet of fighter jets such as F-16, F-35, Mirage, Eurofighter Typhoon, or JAS 39 Gripen. These operations would occur exclusively over Ukrainian territory, coordinating with its armed forces. The project may gain renewed momentum in the context of current ceasefire talks.
