Admiral Mullen, with a no-fly zone there is a risk of a NATO-Russia war
With a no-fly zone over the skies of Ukraine “the possibility of a conflict between Russia and NATO increases significantly”. Admiral Mike Mullen explains this in an interview with Corriere della Sera, who from 2007 to 2011, under George W. Bush and then Barack Obama, was the joint chief of staff, the highest-ranking military post in the States. United. “If a Russian plane tries to enter” the skies of Ukraine “you find yourself with NATO planes in contact with the Russian ones and one of the rules of engagement is: can I shoot them? And once you take them down, you are in some version of a war with Russia. This is why we are avoiding the no-fly zone. If we were at war with Russia we could put it on its feet, but I don’t think it will happen anytime soon, ”adds Mullen. “It has been and will always be difficult to enter Putin’s mind – continues the admiral – There are three axes of the invasion and I think that, in the end, at least, Putin will control Donetsk and Lugansk. The second axis is the port of Odessa and the Black Sea, vital for trade and a possible second attack area to the north-west. The third axis, crucial in substance and perception, is Kiev. If he achieves all three objectives, 190,000 troops, albeit many, are not enough for him to control the country. The level of stamina has been extraordinary and he has an extraordinary leader – I have been surrounded by leaders all my life and Zelensky is extraordinary – this has changed the game and we have to help them, ”he concludes.