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What is a no-fly zone?
UKRAINIAN MPs have urged Nato to introduce a no-fly zone over the nation.
This comes after Russian troops invaded Ukraine in the early hours of Thursday February 24, 2022.
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What is a no fly-zone?
A no-fly zone (NFZ) or air exclusion zone, is an area where certain planes are not allowed to fly and is usually imposed during military conflict.
No-fly zones are a military tactic used in wars since the end of the Gulf War in the 1990s.
NFZs exist in civilian life too and are often used for special events, such as the 2012 Olympics in London.
Restrictions are in place over Buckingham Palace, Disneyland, and Machu Picchu.
What is the purpose of a military no-fly zone?
Military powers can set up an NFZ to take control of an area, often in enemy territory.
The aim of the no-fly zone is to stop opposing aircraft from flying in specific regions using military force
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Why does Ukraine want a no-fly zone?
Russian tanks rolled into Ukraine at 5am on Thursday, February 24, seizing Chernobyl nuclear powerplant by night-time.
On the morning of Friday, February 25, 2022, Russian tanks arrived in the capital Kyiv against a backdrop of explosions.
Ukrainians have taken up arms in defence, resulting in bloody clashes.
According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at least 137 people were killed and 316 injured on the first day of combat.
Use of Russian airstrikes prompted leading figures to ask Nato to introduce a no-fly zone over Ukraine.
Ukrainian MP, Lesia Vasylenko told British Defence Secretary Ben Wallace: “We are at war. What we need now, and this is imperative to understand, we need the closure of the airspace above Ukraine.”
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Is Nato going to introduce a no-fly zone in Ukraine?
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has maintained that "nothing is off the table" when aiding Ukraine’s resistance against Russian President Vladmir Putin’s forces.
But despite some Tory MPs pushing for Nato to introduce a no-fly zone, Wallace dismissed the request by saying it means declaring war on Russia.
The Defence Secretary said: “To do a no-fly zone, I would have to put British fighter jets directly against Russian fighter jets.
“Nato will have to effectively declare war on Russia.”
What is Britain doing to help Ukraine?
Despite condemning Russia’s actions, Britain has not sent troops to Ukraine or established a no-fly zone.
The PM has pledged to send protective gear and anti-tank missiles however.
Johnson has laid out nine ways the UK is supporting Ukraine including
These include introducing sanctions aimed at paralysing Russia’s economy and taking part in Nato talks to ban Russia from the global cash transfer system Swift on Friday, February 25, 2022.
The UK has sent military support to Poland's border with Ukraine as well as sending defensive military aid.
£100million has been provided for economic reform and energy independence in Ukraine, as well as £373million of Development Bank financing guaranteed.
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America’s no-fly zone
America’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has extended its no-fly zone as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
In a statement on February 24, 2022, the FAA said US airlines and pilots are not permitted to fly in extended areas of Eastern Europe and Russia as a result of the conflict
All you need to know about Russia's invasion of Ukraine
Everything you need to know about Russia's invasion of Ukraine...
- Why is Russia invading Ukraine?
- Will the UK go to war?
- How can I join the Ukraine foreign legion?
- What can I do to help Ukraine?
- Who is Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelenskyy?
- How much gas does the UK get from Russia?
- Is Russia a part of Nato?
- Does ?
- Why is Ukraine not in Nato?
- How big is the Russian army?
- What is of the Nato treaty?
- What is the Minsk agreement?
- Which countries were in the Soviet Union?
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