Ukraine: Zelensky says no-fly zone needed to prevent ‘humanitarian catastrophe’

‘It is the humanitarian duty of the world to respond,’ Ukrainian president says

Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly called for a no-fly zone over Ukraine (AFP via Getty Images)

A no-fly zone is needed over Ukraine to prevent a “humanitarian catastrophe”, its president has said in an appeal to foreign leaders.

Volodymyr Zelensky said the international community would be responsible for what followed if it did not implement the measure.

The president has repeatedly called for a no-fly zone over Ukraine - which would ban all unauthorised aircraft from the area - as it faces an invasion by neighbouring Russia.

This has been met with resistance from Western allies, who have expressed concern it would involve them in direct military action against Russia and escalate the war in Europe.

But Mr Zelensky renewed his appeal on Wednesday, saying they would be responsible for a mass “humanitarian catastrophe” if it did not agree to a no-fly zone over Ukraine’s airspace.

The Ukrainian president said in a daily televised address the threat level in the country under attack was at a maximum nearly two weeks into the invasion.

“Russia uses missiles, aircraft and helicopters against us, against civilians, against our cities, against our infrastructure,” he said.

“It is the humanitarian duty of the world to respond.”

Vladimir Putin, the Russian president, has said he would consider an attempt to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine as deciding to enter the conflict between his country and its neighbour.

Nato said it would not police such a measure on the grounds it could spark a widespread war on the continent.

The head of the UK’s armed forces claimed it would not help Ukraine and warned it could lead to Nato aircraft shooting down Russian ones - which could escalate the conflict even further.

Mr Zelensky also appealed for a no-fly zone in a speech to the British parliament on Tuesday, urging the UK to “make sure that our Ukrainian skies are safe” amid bombardments from Russian troops.