Establishing a no-fly zone over Ukraine would lead to NATO forces in direct war with Russia in a very short time - Karins

RIGA - Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins (New Unity) told the Delfi news portal today that the establishment of a no-fly zone over Ukraine would lead to NATO forces in direct war with Russia.

He explained that countries have opened a civil protection area for aviation across the European Union (EU), but that in order to secure a no-fly zone, planes would have to hit other non-compliant planes.

Karins reminded that it must to be taken into account that Ukraine is currently at war with Russia. According to him, if NATO countries established a no-fly zone over Ukraine, it would lead to NATO coming into direct war with Russia in the very near future.

The Prime Minister noted that NATO does not want a large-scale war between the alliance and Russia. Karins emphasized that NATO and EU member states are supplying Ukraine with weapons, ammunition and fuel to help the Ukrainians and enable them to better defend themselves.

"I read this morning that, admirably, after weeks of fierce fighting and Ukraine's enormous opposition, Ukraine is still battling for its airspace. It is not under Russian control. Ukraine has air defense forces. The air struggle continues. We see that every day Ukrainians are able to destroy columns of Russian military equipment," said the Prime Minister.

As reported, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky has requested the establishment of a no-fly zone over the territory of Ukraine, emphasizing that he is relying on Western assistance in this matter.