Ukraine's innovative tactics keep front line intact while striking at Russia's economic base
According to Chatham House associate fellow Samantha de Bendern, Ukraine is demonstrating remarkable innovation in holding the front line while also striking at Russia's economy. European support, including interceptor missiles and potential domestic production of Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles, is growing but remains insufficient. The debate continues over whether allies will go beyond weapons supplies to help protect Ukrainian airspace directly.
The question of direct allied intervention in Ukrainian airspace has shadowed the conflict since its opening weeks, when Western leaders rejected a no-fly zone over fears of direct NATO-Russia confrontation. That caution persists even as European nations expand military assistance, including interceptor missile deliveries and discussions about producing Storm Shadow/SCALP missiles within Europe.
Recent events illustrate the conflict's widening reach. Russian strikes on Kyiv in early September killed at least 12 people, while Ukrainian drone operations have prompted warnings about the safety of Russian airspace for commercial airlines. Germany has separately blamed Russia for an explosive-laden drone discovered at one of its airports, underscoring how the war's effects now extend beyond the immediate battlefront.
The conflict's trajectory affects civilians on both sides, as demonstrated by the deadly Kyiv strikes, while Ukraine's drone campaigns raise safety questions for international aviation. European governments face mounting pressure to balance military support against escalation risks, a calculation that shapes public opinion and electoral politics across the continent. The outcome of this debate could determine whether the war remains contained or expands further, with potential consequences for energy markets,