Officials said the discussions ranged from supporting Zhelensky and Ukrainian top officials in a possible move to the city of Lviv in western Ukraine, to the point where Zhelensky and his aides could be forced to leave Ukraine altogether and form a new government in Poland.
Sources said the discussions were preliminary and no decision had been taken.
In the early days of the war, US and European officials believed it was possible for Zhelensky to visit the city of Lviv because it was unclear whether Russia would target western Ukraine. But now – Russia’s dramatic rise over the past several days against civilian targets across Ukraine – they are not sure if Russia will leave any inch of Ukrainian territory.
“It simply came to our notice then [Putin] Is going to continue, “said a senior Western intelligence official on Friday. Make sure they can continue to take the whole country.
There is a possibility of establishing a NATO no-fly zone in a small part of western Ukraine, but it is an idea that is unlikely, said US lawmakers familiar with Western officials and the debate. In theory, it would provide a perch for Zhelensky’s government and allow Ukraine to build up a revolt against Russian forces – the intelligence official said, adding that Kiev did not need to stand still.
“It simply came to our notice then [the Ukrainians] Even a routine fight can continue without Capital’s centralized command and control, “the official said.
But sources acknowledged that NATO could not establish a no – fly zone in western Ukraine, and for the same reason refused to impose a no – fly zone on the entire country – as it could mean direct involvement with the Russian military. .
One source said that if there was an attempt to shut down parts of Ukrainian airspace, it would be coordinated by a “coalition of aspirants” rather than NATO as a group. Similarly, the West’s willingness to finance and support the Ukrainian insurgency differs from NATO member states, with some reluctant to take the risk of Russian retaliation, sources said.
CNN previously reported that US and European officials had told Zhelensky that they were ready to help evacuate Ukraine. But he has so far denied it.
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