Can neighboring countries close the sky over Ukraine? Zelenskyy responds
Shooting down drones with aircraft over Ukraine is only one way to counter threats. A full response requires 5–7 elements of multi-layered defense.
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Volodymyr Zelenskyy / © Associated Press
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded whether neighboring countries could close the sky over Ukraine. Unfortunately, he said, this is no longer effective.
He made these remarks during a joint briefing with the President of Finland in Kyiv.
Journalists asked about the possibility of deploying air defense systems or aviation in neighboring countries, particularly Poland. Zelenskyy emphasized the need for overall coordination.
“What we proposed two years ago—"shoot down drones with aircraft over us"—no longer works. It’s needed as one element. It will strengthen the shield over western Ukraine and Poland, but it’s just an element. It’s not enough on its own,” Zelenskyy stated.
He added that air defense systems should now be positioned in the western part of Ukraine.
“Polish aviation can also be used from Polish territory, but overall coordination is needed, preferably led by Ukraine. There are 5–7 elements of multi-layered defense. Some parts can be implemented together with the Republic of Poland,” the Commander-in-Chief concluded.