US rules out Ukraine no-fly zone after Zelenskyy appeal

After Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s appeal, US says the measure would be a step towards direct conflict with Russia.

The United States has ruled out enforcing a “no-fly zone”  on Russian aircraft over Ukraine after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged Western nations to consider such a measure to stop any further bombardment by Russia.

In a video address, Zelenskyy said Russia had launched 56 rocket strikes and fired 113 cruise missiles in the past five days since the start of the war on February 24.

Zelenskyy, who did not specify how and by whom a no-fly zone would be enforced, accused Russia of committing war crimes and said it should be brought before an international tribunal.

He also said Russia had continued to bombard Ukrainian cities during the first round of talks with Ukrainian officials in Belarus on Monday.

“I believe that Russia is trying to apply pressure in this unsubtle way. Do not waste time. We do not accept such tactics. Fair negotiations can occur when one side does not hit the other side with rocket artillery at the very moment of negotiations,” he said.

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