India's capital Delhi was declared a no-fly-zone as multi-layered security arrangements were made across the city which prepares to host Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony as the prime minister for a third consecutive term.

On Friday (June 7), the Delhi Police said that the use of sub-conventional aerial platforms - like paragliders, paramotors, hang gliders, microlight aircraft, remotely piloted aircraft, hot air balloons, small-size powered aircraft, and quadcopters along with other unmanned aerial vehicles and aircraft systems (UAVs and UAS) - remained banned in the national capital from Sunday (June 2) to Monday (June 3). The police also banned para-jumping from aircraft.

As per the order, police decided to declare a no-fly zone after receiving information that “criminals and terrorists inimical to India may pose a threat to the safety of the general public, dignitaries, and vital installations by the use of such platforms”.

<h2>Multi-layered security, high alert in the city</h2>

A multi-layered security cordon has been formed by the Special Protection Group (SPG), the National Security Guard (NSG), armed paramilitary forces and the Delhi Police near the Rashtrapati Bhavan where the swearing-in ceremony will take place.

Three-layered security will be implemented both inside and outside the premises as the president's house will remain blanketed by five companies of paramilitary personnel, NSG commandoes, drones and snipers.

A high alert has already been declared in the city and security has also been enhanced near hotels where the world leaders will stay and along the routes that the foreign dignitaries will be using.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-govt-formation-live-modi-to-take-oath-as-prime-minister-at-715-pm-on-june-9-729827">India govt formation: Modi to take oath as prime minister at 7.15 pm on June 9</a>

“The traffic police will impose restrictions and diversions on certain roads in central Delhi during the swearing-in ceremony. Multiple meetings of senior police officers have taken place in the police headquarters and in the New Delhi district to discuss the security and traffic arrangement plans. Nearly 3,000 security and traffic personnel will remain deployed in and around the venue,” said an officer, while speaking to Indian media outlets.

“Around 2,500 police personnel, including five companies of paramilitary and Delhi Armed Police (DAP) jawans, have been planned to be deployed around the venue,” added the officer.

Along the routes of the dignitaries, snipers and armed police personnel will be deployed and drones will be flown at the strategic locations.

Delhi Police’s SWAT and NSG commandos will also be stationed around the President’s house as well as at different strategic locations.

<h2>Leaders from India's neighbourhood to join the ceremony</h2>

The swearing-in ceremony is likely to be attended by the top leaders of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Bhutan, Nepal, Mauritius and Seychelles as reports suggest the government has prepared the guest list based on New Delhi’s “Neighbourhood First Policy”.

The leaders are likely to stay in five-star hotels Leela, Taj, ITC Maurya, Claridges and Oberoi in the capital city.

Among the likely attendees are Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremasinghe, Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and President Dr Mohamed Muizzu of Maldives.

<h2>Rashtrapati Bhavan cancels Change of Guard ceremony&nbsp;</h2>

The weekly Change of Guard ceremony has been cancelled by Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 8, 15, and 22 in view of the ongoing preparations for the oath-taking ceremony at its forecourt and President Droupadi Murmu's planned address to both the houses of the parliament.

Watch:&nbsp;PM Narendra Modi swearing-in ceremony: Security enhanced across Delhi

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"The Change of Guard ceremony will not take place on June 8, 15 and 22, 2024 at Rashtrapati Bhavan due to the preparation for the Swearing-in-Ceremony of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers at Forecourt, Rashtrapati Bhavan and address to both the Houses of Parliament by the President," it said in a statement.

<h2>PM Modi to take oath on June 9</h2>

In a statement, India's Rashtrapati Bhavan said President Droupadi Murmu will administer the oath of office and secrecy to Prime Minister-in-waiting Narendra Modi along with Union Council of Ministers at 7.15 pm on June 09.

Narendra Modi met President Droupadi Murmu on June 7 and staked claim to form the government. While speaking to the media, Modi said, “The President has appointed me as PM-designate. I assure you that the speed with which the country progressed in the previous terms, will continue to do so."&nbsp;

In the Lok Sabha elections 2024, BJP-led NDA collision got a majority with 292 seats which paved the way for their comeback to power.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

India's capital Delhi was declared a no-fly-zone as multi-layered security arrangements were made across the city which prepares to host Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony as the prime minister for a third consecutive term.

India's capital Delhi was declared a no-fly-zone as multi-layered security arrangements were made across the city which prepares to host Narendra Modi's swearing-in ceremony as the prime minister for a third consecutive term. On Friday (June 7), the Delhi Police said that the use of sub-conventional aerial platforms - like paragliders, paramotors, hang gliders, microlight aircraft, remotely piloted aircraft, hot air balloons, small-size powered aircraft, and quadcopters along with other unmanned aerial vehicles and aircraft systems (UAVs and UAS) - remained banned in the national capital from Sunday (June 2) to Monday (June 3). The police also banned para-jumping from aircraft. As per the order, police decided to declare a no-fly zone after receiving information that “criminals and terrorists inimical to India may pose a threat to the safety of the general public, dignitaries, and vital installations by the use of such platforms”. Multi-layered security, high alert in the city A multi-layered security cordon has been formed by the Special Protection Group (SPG), the National Security Guard (NSG), armed paramilitary forces and the Delhi Police near the Rashtrapati Bhavan where the swearing-in ceremony will take place. Three-layered security will be implemented both inside and outside the premises as the president's house will remain blanketed by five companies of paramilitary personnel, NSG commandoes, drones and snipers. A high alert has already been declared in the city and security has also been enhanced near hotels where the world leaders will stay and along the routes that the foreign dignitaries will be using. Also Read: India govt formation: Modi to take oath as prime minister at 7.15 pm on June 9 “The traffic police will impose restrictions and diversions on certain roads in central Delhi during the swearing-in ceremony. Multiple meetings of senior police officers have taken place in the police headquarters and in the New Delhi district to discuss the security and traffic arrangement plans. Nearly 3,000 security and traffic personnel will remain deployed in and around the venue,” said an officer, while speaking to Indian media outlets. “Around 2,500 police personnel, including five companies of paramilitary and Delhi Armed Police (DAP) jawans, have been planned to be deployed around the venue,” added the officer. Along the routes of the dignitaries, snipers and armed police personnel will be deployed and drones will be flown at the strategic locations. Delhi Police’s SWAT and NSG commandos will also be stationed around the President’s house as well as at different strategic locations. Leaders from India's neighbourhood to join the ceremony The swearing-in ceremony is likely to be attended by the top leaders of Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Maldives, Bhutan, Nepal, Mauritius and Seychelles as reports suggest the government has prepared the guest list based on New Delhi’s “Neighbourhood First Policy”. The leaders are likely to stay in five-star hotels Leela, Taj, ITC Maurya, Claridges and Oberoi in the capital city. Among the likely attendees are Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremasinghe, Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay and President Dr Mohamed Muizzu of Maldives. Rashtrapati Bhavan cancels Change of Guard ceremony The weekly Change of Guard ceremony has been cancelled by Rashtrapati Bhavan on June 8, 15, and 22 in view of the ongoing preparations for the oath-taking ceremony at its forecourt and President Droupadi Murmu's planned address to both the houses of the parliament. Watch: PM Narendra Modi swearing-in ceremony: Security enhanced across Delhi "The Change of Guard ceremony will not take place on June 8, 15 and 22, 2024 at Rashtrapati Bhavan due to the preparation for the Swearing-in-Ceremony of Prime Minister and Council of Ministers at Forecourt, Rashtrapati Bhavan and address to both the Houses of Parliament by the President," it said in a statement. PM Modi to take oath on June 9 In a statement, India's Rashtrapati Bhavan said President Droupadi Murmu will administer the oath of office and secrecy to Prime Minister-in-waiting Narendra Modi along with Union Council of Ministers at 7.15 pm on June 09. Narendra Modi met President Droupadi Murmu on June 7 and staked claim to form the government. While speaking to the media, Modi said, “The President has appointed me as PM-designate. I assure you that the speed with which the country progressed in the previous terms, will continue to do so." In the Lok Sabha elections 2024, BJP-led NDA collision got a majority with 292 seats which paved the way for their comeback to power. (With inputs from agencies)

Multi-layered security, no-fly zone in Delhi as capital gears up for Modi's swearing-in ceremony

Taiwan claimed that China appears to have changed its plan of declaring a three-day no-fly zone in airspace near the north of Taiwan next week, decreasing the duration of the no-fly zone to just 27 minutes.

Taiwan’s defence ministry spokesperson, while addressing a press conference, said that the no-fly zone is at a distance of 85 nautical miles north of Taiwan.

The spokesperson said that China may be declaring a no-fly zone to conduct aerospace activities, like satellite launches.

ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-backs-macrons-remarks-against-following-us-policy-on-taiwan-581808">China backs French President Macron’s remarks against following US policy on Taiwan</a>

As per Reuters, a Chinese official claimed that the air traffic would be significantly affected by the flight ban, disturbing the route of 60 to 70 per cent of flights flying between north-east and south-east Asia, along with flights which will be connecting Taiwan and South Korea, Japan and North America.

Later, Taiwan’s transport ministry claimed that China would confine the no-fly zone to a short period on Sunday after Taipei raised objections over its plans.

Originally, it was claimed that China will be declaring the no-fly zone from April 16 to 18.

On Monday, China announced the end of three-day military drills, which started as a retaliation to the meeting of Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in the United States.

On Wednesday, Tsai said that her official trip to the United States showed Taiwan's commitment to defend its democracy, as the country's military plans to begin its own drills.

Tsai said that it is important for democracies to remain united while faced with “continued authoritarian expansionism.”

“Through this trip we again sent a message to the international community that Taiwan is determined to safeguard freedom and democracy which won acknowledgement and support from our democratic partners,” she said while speaking to visiting Canadian lawmakers at her office in Taipei.

As per reports, China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is still carrying out military activity around Taiwan even after it formally announced an end to the military drills which continued from Saturday to Monday.

WATCH | Taiwan says it convinced China to rein in no-fly zone plan

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Taiwan’s defence ministry stated that they detected 35 PLA aircraft and eight vessels around Taiwan on Tuesday. The drills were condemned by the political parties of Taiwan which accused Beijing of undermining the status quo and causing a “severe threat to regional peace and security.”

However, China remained defiant and called the military drills a successful demonstration. Chinese President Xi Jinping called on the armed forces “strengthen military training oriented towards actual combat” during his naval visit on Tuesday.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

You can&nbsp;now write for wionews.com&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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Taiwan claimed that China appears to have changed its plan of declaring a three-day no-fly zone in airspace near the north of Taiwan next week, decreasing the duration of the no-fly zone to just 27 minutes.

Taiwan claimed that China appears to have changed its plan of declaring a three-day no-fly zone in airspace near the north of Taiwan next week, decreasing the duration of the no-fly zone to just 27 minutes. Taiwan’s defence ministry spokesperson, while addressing a press conference, said that the no-fly zone is at a distance of 85 nautical miles north of Taiwan. The spokesperson said that China may be declaring a no-fly zone to conduct aerospace activities, like satellite launches. ALSO READ | China backs French President Macron’s remarks against following US policy on Taiwan As per Reuters, a Chinese official claimed that the air traffic would be significantly affected by the flight ban, disturbing the route of 60 to 70 per cent of flights flying between north-east and south-east Asia, along with flights which will be connecting Taiwan and South Korea, Japan and North America. Later, Taiwan’s transport ministry claimed that China would confine the no-fly zone to a short period on Sunday after Taipei raised objections over its plans. Originally, it was claimed that China will be declaring the no-fly zone from April 16 to 18. On Monday, China announced the end of three-day military drills, which started as a retaliation to the meeting of Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen with House Speaker Kevin McCarthy in the United States. On Wednesday, Tsai said that her official trip to the United States showed Taiwan's commitment to defend its democracy, as the country's military plans to begin its own drills. Tsai said that it is important for democracies to remain united while faced with “continued authoritarian expansionism.” “Through this trip we again sent a message to the international community that Taiwan is determined to safeguard freedom and democracy which won acknowledgement and support from our democratic partners,” she said while speaking to visiting Canadian lawmakers at her office in Taipei. As per reports, China’s People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is still carrying out military activity around Taiwan even after it formally announced an end to the military drills which continued from Saturday to Monday. WATCH | Taiwan says it convinced China to rein in no-fly zone plan Taiwan’s defence ministry stated that they detected 35 PLA aircraft and eight vessels around Taiwan on Tuesday. The drills were condemned by the political parties of Taiwan which accused Beijing of undermining the status quo and causing a “severe threat to regional peace and security.” However, China remained defiant and called the military drills a successful demonstration. Chinese President Xi Jinping called on the armed forces “strengthen military training oriented towards actual combat” during his naval visit on Tuesday. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

China appears to have changed its plan to declare no-fly zone, says Taiwan

The military of South Korea on Thursday confirmed that their key no-fly zone near the presidential office was breached by a North Korean drone in a rare incident of incursion last month, which they had previously denied.&nbsp;Military tensions increased on the Korean peninsula last year as weapons tests were carried out by North Korea every month, which included firing one of the most advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles.&nbsp;

Five drones were then sent by Pyongyang across the border into the airspace of South Korea on December 26 for the first time in five years, which instigated Seoul to scramble jets in response.&nbsp;

ALSO READ|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-south-korea-plan-coordinated-response-against-north-koreas-nuclear-threat-549144">US, South Korea plan 'coordinated response' against North Korea's nuclear threat</a>

The military of South Korea issued an apology after it failed to shoot down any of North Korea's drones in a five-hour operation, as it said that the drones were "too small".&nbsp;

Reports of infiltration by drones in the crucial no-fly zone, which is called P-73, were repeatedly denied by South Korea's military.

"It is not true that (the North Korean drone) did not pass over Yongsan," a spokesperson for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Lee Sung-jun on Thursday said, talking about the area of the presidential office and defence ministry's location.&nbsp;

An official of the military said that in an investigation they discovered "the trail of a small drone of the enemy" had crossed the no-fly zone's northern end.&nbsp;

"We make it clear that there is no problem with the safety of the Yongsan office," said the official.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Tension in North Korean peninsula; Seoul's Yoon warns of breaking defence pact

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Last week, the military of South Korea said that the North "could not have obtained meaningful information" by sending drones because of their low technology level.

"It is worrisome that Yongsan, where South Korea's top security control facilities are located, was infiltrated in the height of tension between the two Koreas," said Yang Moo-jin, University of North Korean Studies' professor in Seoul.

He added that public trust will be damaged by their initial denials.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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The military of South Korea on Thursday confirmed that their key no-fly zone near the presidential office was breached by a North Korean drone in a rare incident of incursion last month, which they had previously denied.

The military of South Korea on Thursday confirmed that their key no-fly zone near the presidential office was breached by a North Korean drone in a rare incident of incursion last month, which they had previously denied. Military tensions increased on the Korean peninsula last year as weapons tests were carried out by North Korea every month, which included firing one of the most advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles. Five drones were then sent by Pyongyang across the border into the airspace of South Korea on December 26 for the first time in five years, which instigated Seoul to scramble jets in response. ALSO READ| US, South Korea plan 'coordinated response' against North Korea's nuclear threat The military of South Korea issued an apology after it failed to shoot down any of North Korea's drones in a five-hour operation, as it said that the drones were "too small". Reports of infiltration by drones in the crucial no-fly zone, which is called P-73, were repeatedly denied by South Korea's military. "It is not true that (the North Korean drone) did not pass over Yongsan," a spokesperson for the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Lee Sung-jun on Thursday said, talking about the area of the presidential office and defence ministry's location. An official of the military said that in an investigation they discovered "the trail of a small drone of the enemy" had crossed the no-fly zone's northern end. "We make it clear that there is no problem with the safety of the Yongsan office," said the official. WATCH | Tension in North Korean peninsula; Seoul's Yoon warns of breaking defence pact Last week, the military of South Korea said that the North "could not have obtained meaningful information" by sending drones because of their low technology level. "It is worrisome that Yongsan, where South Korea's top security control facilities are located, was infiltrated in the height of tension between the two Koreas," said Yang Moo-jin, University of North Korean Studies' professor in Seoul. He added that public trust will be damaged by their initial denials. (With inputs from agencies)

North Korean drone breaches key no-fly zone, claims South Korea's military

At the NATO summit this week, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine lamented what he viewed as the failure of the United States and its allies to help establish a “no-fly zone in any way” over his nation. This follows his earlier pleas for a no-fly zone imposed by NATO or the United States soon after Russia began bombarding Ukraine. The Biden administration and NATO leadership as a whole have continued to reject proposals to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine. They are right to do so.

Mr. Zelensky’s disappointment is, however, understandable. In just over a month of war, Ukrainians have suffered tremendously from horrific attacks by Russian missiles, artillery and aircraft. Russia’s onslaught hasn’t spared civilians. Its forces have destroyed hospitals and schools. Millions of Ukrainians have fled in fear.

Despite the egregiousness of such violence, a U.S.- or NATO-imposed no-fly zone over Ukraine is not the way to stop Russia’s aggression. It would have unclear humanitarian benefits while increasing, rather than lowering, the risk of war between the world’s two largest nuclear powers, the United States and Russia.

Mr. Putin, through words and exercises, has repeatedly raised the specter of mutually assured destruction since the start of this crisis. If a U.S.-Russian direct confrontation were to occur and Russia were to use nuclear weapons, even the detonation of a so-called lower-yield nuclear weapon would wreak enormous consequences and most likely provoke a NATO response. The conflict could escalate with terrifying speed. A 2019 simulation created at Princeton University suggests that what is intended as a warning shot from Moscow could, within hours, trigger a full-scale nuclear war with more than 90 million casualties.

Rather than run that risk for potentially little real effect, Western nations have chosen the more prudent path of supporting Ukraine in its fight as effectively as possible without getting directly involved.

The purpose of a no-fly zone would be to keep Russia’s planes from bombing civilians. To accomplish that objective would require threatening to shoot down Russian aircraft if they enter the designated zone and shooting down the planes if they fly in anyway. Enforcing a no-fly zone could also mean destroying Russian aircraft by attacking them on the ground, as well as attacking airfields and other support infrastructure.

In addition, NATO planes would most likely have to suppress Russian air defenses to protect their aircrews. This would involve additional NATO airstrikes on Russian forces on the ground, such as surface-to-air missiles and radar facilities. Given the range of some of Russia’s surface-to-air missiles, such as the S-400, some of the defenses covering Ukraine could even be located in Russia. Suppressing them could therefore require NATO to attack Russian forces on Russian territory. This is all true even for a so-called “limited” no-fly zone, one that covers only parts of Ukraine, an idea endorsed by a number of former U.S. officials. Mr. Putin has, unsurprisingly, said that he would regard any U.S. attempt to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine as bringing the United States and its NATO allies into the conflict.

A war between Russia and NATO will be difficult to keep limited. Given Western conventional superiority and talk of regime change in Russia from a U.S. senator, war could easily be perceived as an existential threat for Moscow. In that case, and in line with Russian doctrine, it is not impossible that the Kremlin could green-light nuclear weapon use, including against air bases supporting any such no-fly zone. Even if officials deem this nightmare scenario not the likeliest outcome of more direct Western action, it poses cataclysmic dangers that cannot be ignored.

Setting the escalation risks aside, no-fly zones by themselves counter only threats from the air. They do nothing to protect civilians from ground-based threats like missiles and artillery. Bombs dropped from warplanes have accounted for some of the death and destruction Russia is inflicting upon Ukraine (Russia has in recent days ramped up its sortie rate to hundreds a day). But according to data collected by Action on Armed Violence, an advocacy group that focuses on the impact of armed violence, more civilian casualties have been caused by ground-launched artillery, rockets, and missiles than air-launched weapons.

Even the strikes that come from aircraft may come from planes far away, rather than overhead: the cruise missile barrage against the Ukrainian military base at Yavoriv was launched from aircraft that never left Russian airspace. A no-fly zone would not stop such threats. And when it becomes clear that such a zone is not enough, as happened in Bosnia in 1995, the United States may soon feel pressure to expand its military operation to strike additional targets on the ground, further drawing it into the conflict.

Indeed, past experiences reinforce the need for caution. Since the 1990s, the United States and its allies have imposed no-fly zones in northern and southern Iraq, Bosnia, and Libya. In none of those cases was the United States trying to impose a no-fly zone against a military with Russia’s capabilities, or one with the ability to retaliate with nuclear weapons. Moreover, all had mixed results when it came to protecting civilians.

In 1995, even with a NATO-imposed no-fly zone in effect, Serb forces perpetrated a genocide against Bosnian Muslims at Srebrenica and killed dozens of civilians in a mortar attack on Sarajevo’s Markale Market. After the no-fly zone’s failure to prevent such horror, NATO then expanded its intervention in Bosnia, carrying out additional strikes on ground-based threats to civilians such as Bosnian Serb artillery and arms depots. A similar situation could play out in Ukraine — only with the added risk of escalation.

This isn’t to say that the United States and its NATO allies should not be helping Ukraine to “close the sky” by other means. From the start of the war, Ukrainian air defenses have done serious damage to Russian aircraft. Although difficult to verify, according to Ukraine, its forces have destroyed 101 Russian planes and 124 helicopters as of March 23. They’re poised to get even more lethal: After Mr. Zelensky’s address to the U.S. Congress, the White House announced an additional $800 million in security assistance to Ukraine — adding to the anti-tank and antiaircraft weapons already provided — including some 800 Stinger shoulder-fired antiaircraft systems and switchblade drones, capable of both observation and attacks on targets such as Russian artillery. It is also reportedly exploring whether European allies could transfer Soviet-made S-300 long-range surface-to-air missiles to Ukraine.

It is important to recognize the significance of the measures the United States and others have taken to assist in the defense of Ukraine. The overt transfers of weapons to Ukraine — weapons intended to kill Russian forces — are themselves a remarkable and potentially escalatory step. So far, that does not appear to have crossed Moscow’s redlines for military retaliation against the United States.

Seeking to deprive Russia of airpower in the conflict would be an extraordinarily dangerous gamble with uncertain payoff. The Biden administration should remain resolute in rejecting such proposals, which, although presented as half measures to avoid direct war between the United States and Russia, are in fact tantamount to exactly that war. The United States and its NATO allies must continue to help Ukraine. But they must also do their part to avoid escalating that conflict, as the costs of doing so could well be unfathomable.

At the NATO summit this week, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine lamented what he viewed as the failure of the United States and its allies to help establish a “no-fly zone in any way” over his nation.

At the NATO summit this week, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine lamented what he viewed as the failure of the United States and its allies to help establish a “no-fly zone in any way” over his nation. This follows his earlier pleas for a no-fly zone imposed by NATO or the United States soon after Russia began bombarding Ukraine. The Biden administration and NATO leadership as a whole have continued to reject proposals to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine. They are right to do so. Mr. Zelensky’s disappointment is, however, understandable. In just over a month of war, Ukrainians have suffered tremendously from horrific attacks by Russian missiles, artillery and aircraft. Russia’s onslaught hasn’t spared civilians. Its forces have destroyed hospitals and schools. Millions of Ukrainians have fled in fear. Despite the egregiousness of such violence, a U.S.- or NATO-imposed no-fly zone over Ukraine is not the way to stop Russia’s aggression. It would have unclear humanitarian benefits while increasing, rather than lowering, the risk of war between the world’s two largest nuclear powers, the United States and Russia. Mr. Putin, through words and exercises, has repeatedly raised the specter of mutually assured destruction since the start of this crisis. If a U.S.-Russian direct confrontation were to occur and Russia were to use nuclear weapons, even the detonation of a so-called lower-yield nuclear weapon would wreak enormous consequences and most likely provoke a NATO response. The conflict could escalate with terrifying speed. A 2019 simulation created at Princeton University suggests that what is intended as a warning shot from Moscow could, within hours, trigger a full-scale nuclear war with more than 90 million casualties. Rather than run that risk for potentially little real effect, Western nations have chosen the more prudent path of supporting Ukraine in its fight as effectively as possible without getting directly involved. The purpose of a no-fly zone would be to keep Russia’s planes from bombing civilians. To accomplish that objective would require threatening to shoot down Russian aircraft if they enter the designated zone and shooting down the planes if they fly in anyway. Enforcing a no-fly zone could also mean destroying Russian aircraft by attacking them on the ground, as well as attacking airfields and other support infrastructure. In addition, NATO planes would most likely have to suppress Russian air defenses to protect their aircrews. This would involve additional NATO airstrikes on Russian forces on the ground, such as surface-to-air missiles and radar facilities. Given the range of some of Russia’s surface-to-air missiles, such as the S-400, some of the defenses covering Ukraine could even be located in Russia. Suppressing them could therefore require NATO to attack Russian forces on Russian territory. This is all true even for a so-called “limited” no-fly zone, one that covers only parts of Ukraine, an idea endorsed by a number of former U.S. officials. Mr. Putin has, unsurprisingly, said that he would regard any U.S. attempt to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine as bringing the United States and its NATO allies into the conflict. A war between Russia and NATO will be difficult to keep limited. Given Western conventional superiority and talk of regime change in Russia from a U.S. senator, war could easily be perceived as an existential threat for Moscow. In that case, and in line with Russian doctrine, it is not impossible that the Kremlin could green-light nuclear weapon use, including against air bases supporting any such no-fly zone. Even if officials deem this nightmare scenario not the likeliest outcome of more direct Western action, it poses cataclysmic dangers that cannot be ignored. Setting the escalation risks aside, no-fly zones by themselves counter only threats from the air. They do nothing to protect civilians from ground-based threats like missiles and artillery. Bombs dropped from warplanes have accounted for some of the death and destruction Russia is inflicting upon Ukraine (Russia has in recent days ramped up its sortie rate to hundreds a day). But according to data collected by Action on Armed Violence, an advocacy group that focuses on the impact of armed violence, more civilian casualties have been caused by ground-launched artillery, rockets, and missiles than air-launched weapons. Even the strikes that come from aircraft may come from planes far away, rather than overhead: the cruise missile barrage against the Ukrainian military base at Yavoriv was launched from aircraft that never left Russian airspace. A no-fly zone would not stop such threats. And when it becomes clear that such a zone is not enough, as happened in Bosnia in 1995, the United States may soon feel pressure to expand its military operation to strike additional targets on the ground, further drawing it into the conflict. Indeed, past experiences reinforce the need for caution. Since the 1990s, the United States and its allies have imposed no-fly zones in northern and southern Iraq, Bosnia, and Libya. In none of those cases was the United States trying to impose a no-fly zone against a military with Russia’s capabilities, or one with the ability to retaliate with nuclear weapons. Moreover, all had mixed results when it came to protecting civilians. In 1995, even with a NATO-imposed no-fly zone in effect, Serb forces perpetrated a genocide against Bosnian Muslims at Srebrenica and killed dozens of civilians in a mortar attack on Sarajevo’s Markale Market. After the no-fly zone’s failure to prevent such horror, NATO then expanded its intervention in Bosnia, carrying out additional strikes on ground-based threats to civilians such as Bosnian Serb artillery and arms depots. A similar situation could play out in Ukraine — only with the added risk of escalation. This isn’t to say that the United States and its NATO allies should not be helping Ukraine to “close the sky” by other means. From the start of the war, Ukrainian air defenses have done serious damage to Russian aircraft. Although difficult to verify, according to Ukraine, its forces have destroyed 101 Russian planes and 124 helicopters as of March 23. They’re poised to get even more lethal: After Mr. Zelensky’s address to the U.S. Congress, the White House announced an additional $800 million in security assistance to Ukraine — adding to the anti-tank and antiaircraft weapons already provided — including some 800 Stinger shoulder-fired antiaircraft systems and switchblade drones, capable of both observation and attacks on targets such as Russian artillery. It is also reportedly exploring whether European allies could transfer Soviet-made S-300 long-range surface-to-air missiles to Ukraine. It is important to recognize the significance of the measures the United States and others have taken to assist in the defense of Ukraine. The overt transfers of weapons to Ukraine — weapons intended to kill Russian forces — are themselves a remarkable and potentially escalatory step. So far, that does not appear to have crossed Moscow’s redlines for military retaliation against the United States. Seeking to deprive Russia of airpower in the conflict would be an extraordinarily dangerous gamble with uncertain payoff. The Biden administration should remain resolute in rejecting such proposals, which, although presented as half measures to avoid direct war between the United States and Russia, are in fact tantamount to exactly that war. The United States and its NATO allies must continue to help Ukraine. But they must also do their part to avoid escalating that conflict, as the costs of doing so could well be unfathomable.

A no-fly zone won't stop the killing in Ukraine

President Zelensky of Ukraine has asked the West to impose a no-fly zone as a precautionary measure as his country comes under aerial attack from Russia.

He claims that dragging NATO into a confrontation with Russia is not his intention, but his pleas have so far been ignored.

If a no-fly zone is imposed, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has indicated that RAF fighters may be forced to target Russian planes, resulting in a far larger confrontation.

Here we explain what a no-fly zone (NFZ) is, why NATO refuses to enforce one, and how many times it has been used previously.&nbsp;

What is a no-fly zone?&nbsp;

For security reasons, a no-fly zone is a restricted area where aeroplanes are prohibited from flying.

They're frequently employed in war zones to prevent aggressors from flying military aircraft over their own territory.

It protects civilians and military targets while also conducting surveillance.

Opposing fighter aeroplanes monitor the zone, looking for any planes that aren't following the rules.

Any rogue planes may be compelled to land or escorted away, and they could be shot down in the process.

A no-fly zone is an order that prohibits aeroplanes from flying over a specific area.

For security considerations, such zones are occasionally imposed over government facilities or public spaces, as well as sacred sites for religious and cultural purposes.&nbsp;

During conflicts, they are most problematic when employed to prohibit military aircraft from engaging in hostile acts.

All unlicensed aircraft would be barred from flying over Ukraine under a no-fly zone.

Following the 1991 Gulf War, Western nations imposed such restrictions on areas of Iraq for more than a decade, as well as during the civil wars in Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1993 to 1995 and Libya in 2011.&nbsp; 
 
IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/what-are-czech-hedgehogs-homemade-obstacles-that-can-destroy-russian-tanks-459254">What are Czech hedgehogs?: Homemade obstacles that can destroy Russian tanks</a>

Why is NATO adamant about not imposing one over Ukraine?

NATO countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States, have refused to enforce a no-fly zone over Ukraine in order to avoid a direct conflict.

Jens Stoltenberg, NATO's secretary general, has consistently dismissed the idea of a no-fly zone over Ukraine, telling NBC on February 28 that "we have no intention of moving into Ukraine, either on the ground or in the air."&nbsp; 
 
IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/battle-analysis-russian-tank-armada-vs-ukraine-who-will-win-459067">Battle analysis: Russian tank armada vs Ukraine - who will win?</a>

No-fly zones have been utilised in the past

Following the first Gulf War in 1991, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France established two no-fly zones in Iraq to prevent Saddam Hussein from targeting Iraq's Kurdish and Shia Muslim communities.

This was done without the support of the United Nations.

During the Bosnian War in the 1990s, NATO countries used Operation Deny Flight to impose a no-fly zone.

Libya was placed under a no-fly zone in 2011 to protect its citizens from the Gaddafi regime's attacks.

RAF jets from the United Kingdom were among those involved.

(With inputs from agencies)

President Zelensky of Ukraine has asked the West to impose a no-fly zone as a precautionary measure as his country comes under aerial attack from Russia. He claims that dragging NATO into a confrontation with Russia is not his intention, but his pleas have so far been ignored.

President Zelensky of Ukraine has asked the West to impose a no-fly zone as a precautionary measure as his country comes under aerial attack from Russia. He claims that dragging NATO into a confrontation with Russia is not his intention, but his pleas have so far been ignored. If a no-fly zone is imposed, UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has indicated that RAF fighters may be forced to target Russian planes, resulting in a far larger confrontation. Here we explain what a no-fly zone (NFZ) is, why NATO refuses to enforce one, and how many times it has been used previously. What is a no-fly zone? For security reasons, a no-fly zone is a restricted area where aeroplanes are prohibited from flying. They're frequently employed in war zones to prevent aggressors from flying military aircraft over their own territory. It protects civilians and military targets while also conducting surveillance. Opposing fighter aeroplanes monitor the zone, looking for any planes that aren't following the rules. Any rogue planes may be compelled to land or escorted away, and they could be shot down in the process. A no-fly zone is an order that prohibits aeroplanes from flying over a specific area. For security considerations, such zones are occasionally imposed over government facilities or public spaces, as well as sacred sites for religious and cultural purposes. During conflicts, they are most problematic when employed to prohibit military aircraft from engaging in hostile acts. All unlicensed aircraft would be barred from flying over Ukraine under a no-fly zone. Following the 1991 Gulf War, Western nations imposed such restrictions on areas of Iraq for more than a decade, as well as during the civil wars in Bosnia and Herzegovina from 1993 to 1995 and Libya in 2011. IN PICS | What are Czech hedgehogs?: Homemade obstacles that can destroy Russian tanks Why is NATO adamant about not imposing one over Ukraine? NATO countries, including the United Kingdom and the United States, have refused to enforce a no-fly zone over Ukraine in order to avoid a direct conflict. Jens Stoltenberg, NATO's secretary general, has consistently dismissed the idea of a no-fly zone over Ukraine, telling NBC on February 28 that "we have no intention of moving into Ukraine, either on the ground or in the air." IN PICS | Battle analysis: Russian tank armada vs Ukraine - who will win? No-fly zones have been utilised in the past Following the first Gulf War in 1991, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France established two no-fly zones in Iraq to prevent Saddam Hussein from targeting Iraq's Kurdish and Shia Muslim communities. This was done without the support of the United Nations. During the Bosnian War in the 1990s, NATO countries used Operation Deny Flight to impose a no-fly zone. Libya was placed under a no-fly zone in 2011 to protect its citizens from the Gaddafi regime's attacks. RAF jets from the United Kingdom were among those involved. (With inputs from agencies)

No-fly zone: What does it mean, and why is NATO unwilling to impose one over Ukraine? 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky lashed out at NATO after it rejected its request for no-fly zone. This comes as more and more Russian troops enter Ukrainian cities.

Watch: Ukraine’s Zelensky lashes out at NATO over no-fly zone request | Russian invasion

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