Europe Supports Intercepting Russian Missiles in Ukraine to Protect Borders – Le Monde
Western officials are voicing support for a Ukrainian proposal known as Sky Shield, a plan that would allow allied aircraft to shoot down Russian drones and missiles over Ukraine’s western regions before they reach European borders.
The Gaze reports this, referring to Le Monde.
The French outlet noted that after recent Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace, Europe can no longer rely solely on neutralizing threats once they cross its own territory.
Waiting until Russian missiles penetrate NATO borders, the paper argued, effectively concedes the initiative to Moscow.
Under the Sky Shield concept, Russian targets would be intercepted in Ukrainian airspace, providing simultaneous protection for Ukraine’s civilian population and Europe’s security.
The initiative, designed by the Ukrainian NGO Price of Freedom and backed by several hundred European and American politicians and senior officers, envisions an integrated air defense zone coordinated with Ukraine’s Air Force.
According to Le Monde, around 120 allied fighter jets would be sufficient to implement the plan.
The report stressed that such action would not constitute aggression against Russia, citing international conventions on humanitarian assistance, nuclear security, and civil aviation that provide legal justification for the measure.
Supporters argue the shield would safeguard critical infrastructure, including Ukraine’s nuclear power plants and major cities such as Kyiv, Lviv, and Odesa, while freeing Ukraine’s armed forces to focus on the eastern front.
The move could also strengthen the country’s economy, bolster civilian morale, and accelerate domestic defense production.
Le Monde added that the increased security pressure might push Russia toward serious negotiations on a ceasefire.
The Sky Shield proposal should not be confused with the similarly named European Sky Shield Initiative launched by NATO allies.
The debate gained momentum after the August 10 incident when roughly 20 Russian drones entered Polish airspace during a mass strike on Ukraine.
Poland’s air defenses shot down four drones, while debris from others was recovered. The incident prompted NATO to launch Operation "Eastern Sentry" and led Polish President Karol Nawrocki to authorize the deployment of additional allied forces.
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