No-fly zone over Ukraine could escalate war in Europe, says expert

Ukrainians around the world, including right here in Canada have been calling on the NATO alliance to implement a no-fly zone over Ukraine, as cities are turned to rubble from Russian missiles and shelling – destroying homes, and killing civilians.

But will enough pressure not only from the Ukrainian government but Ukrainians across the world change the mind of NATO to implement a no-fly zone? One expert says it might be tough.

“To apply a no-fly zone means NATO jets will be interacting directly with Russian jets and that would be a big step in the international conflict,” explained Christopher Adams, Political Science Professor at the University of Manitoba. “What struck me was Candice Bergen made a statement supporting limited no-fly zone over Ukraine which was different than what we have been hearing from the Prime Minister.”

READ MORE: ‘Every night is a horrible night:’ Zelenskyy pleads for no-fly zone during parliamentary address

Adams says the sanctions in place right now against Russia will severely impact that country, but whether anything will be done in the short term remains to be seen.

“Sanctions are limited, but I think these sanctions on Russia are unprecedented for a western and Asian country. I think we have to see what happens.”

Ihor Michalchyshyn, the executive director of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress however asks, how many more cities need to be destroyed and how many more innocent civilians have to die before the skies over Ukraine are closed?

“Ukraine is defending itself, but they don’t have anti-aircraft defenses, or an air force that can stop this aerial bombardment. We’re not military analysts, we don’t want to start WWIII, but we can’t say never again and just standby and watch the slaughter of civilians.”