Ukrainian President Zelensky has asked the United States many times to declare a no-fly zone over his country. So far, the answer has been no. Raphael Cohen, director of the Strategy and Doctrine Program of Project AIR FORCE at the RAND Corporation, argues it was a mistake to take that option off the table.
- Cohen said the U.S. is sending a very dangerous message to other countries by saying it will not implement a no-fly zone largely because of Russian nuclear capabilities.
- Cohen said America is losing leverage and the ability to try to coerce Russia into a peaceful settlement.
- He said he does not think a no-fly zone is a good idea at this time but that some argue it would not lead to a larger conflict.
