In the shadow of escalating tensions and the ongoing war in Ukraine, a former NATO chief has advocated for a bold, albeit controversial, shift in the Alliance’s support for Ukraine. Anders Fogh Rasmussen, the alliance’s former secretary general, has proposed that NATO should engage its missile defenses on the Eastern front – specifically, from Polish and Romanian bases – to intercept and destroy Russian missiles and drones targeting Ukraine.
While such a move could significantly aid Ukraine in defending its cities and vital infrastructure, it raises serious questions about the potential for a direct military confrontation with Russia, a concern that has hitherto shaped NATO’s cautious approach. Despite the anxiety that such a strategy might provoke Russia to attack NATO facilities and possibly unleash a broader war, Rasmussen believes that the risks are worth taking. He posits that Russian President Vladimir Putin would respect NATO’s collective defense guarantee, Article Five, and would not dare to strike NATO defenses operating from member territories.
Rasmussen’s call to “step up our support” comes as Russian missile and drone strikes on Ukraine have intensified, with a 46 percent increase in the past six months. The strain on Ukraine’s defense capabilities is palpable, with the country’s power infrastructure under continuous attack, resulting in widespread blackouts. Despite Ukraine possessing the US-made Patriot system capable of destroying hypersonic and ballistic missiles, its resources are waning, prompting President Volodymyr Zelensky to seek additional help.
Rasmussen’s suggestion echoes the actions of NATO allies in the Middle East, where American, British, and French fighter jets aided Israel’s air defense system against Iranian attacks in April. His argument hinges on a similar approach – offering protective capabilities from NATO territory without committing ground troops to Ukraine.
The broader strategic considerations for NATO involve balancing the immediate needs of Ukraine against the risks of escalating the conflict. While France’s President Emmanuel Macron has even suggested the possibility of sending troops to Ukraine if necessary, others, such as the UK Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron, are more reticent, stating that NATO soldiers should not be engaged in killing Russian soldiers.
Further complicating the matter is Putin’s stark warning that any assistance to Ukraine, including the provision of fighter jets by some NATO members, would render the supporting facilities “legitimate targets.” This sharp statement captures the potential perils of NATO’s involvement in the conflict, as the Russian president has previously indicated that a fight with NATO could push Europe to the brink of a full-scale World War III.
Despite the gravity of the situation, Rasmussen remains adamant that Putin’s respect for NATO’s mutual defense commitments would act as a deterrent against Russian aggression towards the missile defense systems on NATO soil.
Parallel discussions within NATO circles reveal that some members, notably Germany, are considering proposals to use NATO air defenses to establish safe zones extending into western Ukraine. This initiative has the support of various political figures in Germany, who view it as an extension of Ukraine’s right to self-defense under the UN Charter’s Article 51. It would potentially alleviate Ukraine’s burden of defending its airspace, allowing for a more focused defense against the Russian advance.
Relevant articles:
– Call Putin’s bluff and use Nato to shoot down Russian missiles, says former chief, inews.co.uk, 05/15/2024
– NATO Mulls Its Ukraine Options, Newsweek, 05/14/2024
– German politicians suggests NATO shoot down Russian drones over Ukraine, Euromaidan Press, 05/11/2024
– German lawmakers suggest allies could protect sky over western Ukraine from NATO soil, Kyiv Independent, 05/11/2024
– Ukraine war latest: Situation in Kharkiv ‘dire’ – after world took ‘eye off the ball’ on Ukraine, Sky News, 05/12/2024