“We need an international solution” – Sergiy Zgurets on the prospects for opening the Ukrainian sky

31 October 09:41
EXCLUSIVE

TheCabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has developed a roadmap for the resumption of air traffic in Ukraine under martial law. This decision has sparked lively discussions among experts, business representatives and the international community. In an exclusive commentary for Komersant ukrainskyiKomersant Ukrainian, military expert and director of Defence Express, Serhiy Zgurets, discusses in detail the benefits and risks associated with the potential opening of Ukrainian skies, as well as the possibility of using the experience of other countries.

Zgurets notes that an important example for Ukraine is Israel, which, despite the state of constant military threat, still managed to maintain the existing air service.

“We know that Israel is constantly at war with the surrounding Arab world, but in any case, this does not mean that air traffic does not work there. Therefore, I think that Israel’s experience should be considered in this story,”

– he emphasized. According to the expert, this experience can become a starting point for developing a strategy for protecting Ukraine’s airspace.

Of course, Zgurets notes that there are serious risks and insurance issues. He explains:

“When we talk about the opening of air traffic in Ukraine, the question of risks, insurance of these risks, and a combination of military capabilities to cover certain airports naturally arises.”

According to him, these issues should be carefully thought out and discussed at the international level, in particular with neighboring countries that can strengthen the security system.

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The expert also emphasizes that the western regions of Ukraine could receive special attention given the presence of defense systems in neighboring countries.

“If we are talking about the western regions of Ukraine, then, of course, it is possible to combine this with a joint Ukrainian-Polish initiative, where, in particular, Patriot systems that are located in Poland can cover some airports in Ukraine,”

– Zgurets said. He clarified that such a step would help ensure the protection of airports for both civilian and military flights, although he added that the risks could remain significant.

The opening of air traffic could have a positive impact on Ukraine’s economy, the expert believes, especially on business activity and attracting international investors.

“If we are talking about economic recovery or improving contracting opportunities with different countries, then demonstrating steps to increase business opportunities would be a good sign,”

– comments Zgurets. In his opinion, the launch of at least one secure airport in the region would be an indicator of Ukraine’s economic stability and attractiveness to partners.

However, unlike Israel, Ukraine is facing an enemy that has high-tech weapons.

“The difficulty lies in the fact that Israel is fighting an environment that is less technologically advanced than what we have with Russia. In particular, Russia uses X-101 cruise missiles and other ballistic missiles, which are quite modern and require an adequate defense system,”

– the expert warns. In his opinion, Ukraine needs to deploy powerful defense systems, such as Patriot, to reliably cover its airspace, but this requires significant financial and political resources.

Zgurets is convinced that it is advisable to launch an international initiative that will combine military, political and economic resources to create safe air traffic conditions.

“We need to launch an international initiative that can combine military challenges, political or diplomatic achievements. We need to find some joint solutions so that it does not scare our partners away,”

– Sergiy Zgurets summarized.

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Остафійчук Ярослав
Editor