Overcast Sky

For 2 weeks now, the Russian occupiers have been shelling Ukrainian cities from aircraft. Because NATO is not ready to initiate the closure of the sky over Ukraine, thousands of civilians are suffering. Ukraine is calling on international partners to guarantee assistance – this will protect citizens from enemy fighter jet attacks and from the destruction of their homes.

Closing the sky over Ukraine – what it means

A “closed sky” is a special air defence system from NATO that engages NATO air defence. Protection is provided by various air defence systems.

One of the best-known parts of the “closed airspace” is Active Layered Theater Ballistic Missile Defence. This system works as a “shield of Europe” – continental protection against air threats.

But NATO is in no hurry – while hundreds of innocent people are dying in the country, the North Atlantic Alliance does not plan to activate a closed sky.

Why there is still no closed sky

NATO said the alliance is not ready to close the sky over Ukraine – members of the organisation fear that this will cause a military conflict between Russia and NATO, or even a Third World War.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly appealed to NATO representatives during his briefings with a request to guarantee a closed sky over Ukraine. In 14 days of war, more than 50 children have died from shelling, and the number of victims among adult civilians already runs into the thousands. The president repeatedly calls on NATO member states not to play pacifists.

Olena Zelenska also joined the appeals – the First Lady of Ukraine called on the West to finally take off its white gloves and close the sky over Ukraine.

The following have joined the appeals to NATO to close the airspace:

• Ukrainian diplomats and politicians;

• Ukrainian city residents who organised rallies;

• Foreign residents who support Ukraine's struggle against the occupiers.