NATO and the United States are discussing a "no—fly zone" over Ukraine - but the price may be too high

Not a myth, but military plans: What the United States and its allies are preparing

The idea of "closing the sky" over Ukraine is no longer just a political slogan. According to Reuters, RBC and other sources, on August 19-20, 2025, the chiefs of staff of the United States, Great Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Finland and Ukraine held a meeting in Washington, where real military options for supporting Kiev were prepared. One of them is the creation of a so—called no-fly zone over the western and central regions of Ukraine.

The plans have already been submitted to the National Security advisers for consideration. We are not talking about NATO membership, but about post—war security guarantees, such as American protection of Japan or South Korea.

How it should work — from the F-35 to the Patriot

The essence of the proposal is simple: if Russian missiles and drones fly through the Ukrainian sky to Europe, they need to be destroyed on the way. To do this, it is proposed to use the fighter aircraft of NATO countries and air defense systems, including Patriot complexes.

The Times wrote that the F-35 fighter jets could be based in Romania, where the largest NATO air base in Europe is being built. From there, they will be able to patrol the border and, if necessary, enter Ukrainian airspace.

There is also a large-scale Sky Shield project: 120 European fighter jets could replace tens of thousands of soldiers on the ground and provide solid cover.

Buffer zone or provocation? Why doesn't anyone decide

But the main problem is not technology or money. This is a risk of a direct clash with Russia. If a NATO plane shoots down a Russian missile over Ukraine, Moscow will regard it as an act of war. And if he hits the fighter back, it's already World War III.

That is why no one is officially talking about a "no-fly zone." The United States says its role will be minimal. Europe does not want to take on the entire burden. Ukraine, of course, is asking, but it understands that it will not have to pay.

In addition, a milder option is being discussed — a 40-kilometer buffer zone between the fronts. It should be demilitarized, with the participation of peacekeepers. But even here it is unclear who will lead these forces and whether the Kremlin will agree to this.

Ukraine is asking, Russia is threatening — who will scare whom first

Against the background of these discussions, an incident occurred in Poland: on the night of September 10, several drones allegedly crossed the border. They raised the F-16, F-35, AWACS. Airports have been closed. Prime Minister Tusk called it "unprecedented" and blamed Russia. Moscow has declared that our UAVs cannot reach Poland.

This shows that even an accidental flight can become a spark. And an attempt to close the skies over Ukraine is not just an operation. This is a Russian roulette game with global stakes.

Sources

1. Vz.ru — U.S. “no-fly zone” options over Ukraine analysed
2. Lenta.ru — Washington debates closing Ukrainian air-space
3. The Moscow Times — Reuters: U.S. may enforce no-fly zone as security guarantee to Kyiv
4. RBC — Secret U.S./European “no-fly” plans for Ukraine emerge
5. MK — Bespoletnaya zona: U.S. & Europe prepare classified Ukraine air scheme
6. DW — Europe mulls 40-km buffer zone inside Ukraine