From devastating drones to cyber warfare and mercenaries – eight ways the West can end Putin’s war
WHAT more could the West be doing to stop Putin’s assault?
Should Nato implement a no-fly zone over Ukraine? Or should it supply fighter jets? And what about boots on the ground? Should British soldiers go in?
Many ideas that may seem obvious are fraught with danger. We consider the options with General Richard Dannatt, ex-head of the British Army, right, who says what would work — and what would not.
Military drones
UNMANNED planes that can drop bombs are highly effective weapons and have already successfully been deployed by the Ukrainian army.
Dramatic video footage has shown a Bayraktar drone striking a Russian supply convoy. These Turkish-made machines carry four laser-guided missiles that can cripple lightly-armoured vehicles. Fellow Nato countries could provide similar tech.
General Dannatt says: “It is a question of sophistication. If weaponry can be used effectively that is fine. Ukrainian forces need to be able to operate them.”
Fighter jets
AIDING Ukraine’s air forces would significantly help its defences.
Many have wondered why the 40-mile convoy approaching Kyiv has not been taken out, which could be down to depleted air power.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell did announce that EU states would be supplying fighter jets. But that idea was soon scrapped because it involved too much “interference”.
General Dannatt says: “The fighter jet issue is similar to the no-fly issue. Putin would love to provoke the West so he can say Nato is involved.
“Training is also an issue. It’s not realistic to think you can supply mid-tech weapons to a country without providing the training, even though they need them.”
Anti-aircraft and anti-tank weapons
EU countries have joined the UK in supplying hand-held anti-tank missile launchers and will also send anti-aircraft weapons.
But offering more sophisticated defence systems would be problematic as there is not enough time to train Ukrainians to use them.
General Dannatt says: “When the UK supplied 2,000 light anti-tank weapons before the war started we also sent trainers.
“If those Ukrainian operators are still alive and well and running short we should send more weapons.”
Stronger sanctions
ECONOMIC sanctions are already hitting Russia hard, with its currency dropping to record lows.
But much of Putin’s war effort is funded with the money he receives from supplying gas and oil to EU countries.
Turning off these supplies could help cripple the Russian economy to a point where Putin cannot fund an expensive war.
But this would also inflict economic pain on Europe.
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General Dannatt says: “We must be prepared to see energy prices soar. This war is going to cost us all some pain.
“What is most important is that the sanctions really hurt the Russians in the hope the Russian people turn against Putin.”
No-fly zone
PM Boris Johnson was challenged by an impassioned Ukrainian journalist to stop Russian bombs with a no-fly zone over the country — but it has been ruled out by world leaders.
Nato would have to police the zone by flying jets from allied states, such as Poland. If a Russian plane was shot down, it would immediately put Nato on a war-footing with Russia.
General Dannatt explains: “On the face of it the idea is reasonable, but in practical terms policing it raises huge dangers. It would undoubtedly be contested by Russian aircraft.
“At a stroke we would be escalating the conflict to not just Russia against Ukraine, but Russia against Nato. So not only World War Three — but two nuclear-armed powers at war.”
Food, water, medicine and fuel
SHOPS have not run out of food so far, but supplies will disappear as Russia starts to encircle cities.
Putin’s attack has stalled due to a shortage of fuel, and the West must find a way to keep Ukraine mobile.
The Red Cross — who The Sun’s Ukraine appeal is raising funds for — is one vital organisation helping.
General Dannatt says: “We don’t want aid convoys bombed. That is why the Red Cross is so well placed.
“If the Russians took out a convoy displaying red crosses, that’s yet another war crime.”
Cyber warfare and intelligence
HACKER group Anonymous’s recent attack on news sites in Russia — which made them display anti-Putin messages — demonstrates that cyber warfare can be a strong tool.
The West is already helping Ukraine keep its internet open through US entrepreneur Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starlink satellite.
General Dannatt says: “We should be seeking opportunities to conduct offensive cyber operations to inhibit Russian command and control and, if appropriate, to close down areas of Russian business.
“I am sure we are providing information and intelligence. For the past five years Britain has been providing training teams to Ukraine.”
Volunteer fighters
UKRAINE is in need of manpower to hold back the 190,000 troops Putin has assembled.
Foreign Secretary — and some are already on the front line.
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But now lawyers are warning that anyone considering joining the fight could be prosecuted under anti-terror laws.
General Dannatt says: “Those who go are likely to be ex-soldiers who would be in a better position to help. Serving personnel couldn’t take a holiday to go fight in Ukraine.”