Europe considers air safety zone over Ukraine to restore air traffic – media

European countries are considering the possibility of ensuring airspace security in the west of the country as part of the settlement of the situation in Ukraine and gradually expanding such measures to the east, The Telegraph reported on Saturday, citing sources.

" European nations have been in discussions over introducing a no-fly zone to allow Ukraine to confidently reopen commercial aviation routes. The scheme could be phased, The Telegraph can reveal, starting in the West and slowly covering more airspace until the entire country is safe enough for commercial air travel, for example," the publication said.

According to the newspaper, the mission may involve Western fighter jets and ground-based air defense systems to initially open Lviv airport and other air harbors in western Ukraine. As the ceasefire agreements are observed, the mission may spread east to Kyiv and other cities.

The Telegraph explains that the restoration of air traffic should be a key element in attracting investment to Ukraine and the return of refugees.