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Ask HN: How are world leaders able to visit Ukraine?

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Re: Ask HN: How are world leaders able to visit Ukraine?

#11
The Russian armed forces do not have control of or indeed the ability to control Kyiv’s airspace. They spectacularly failed to take the city in their first assault and even at that time were unable to gain air superiority. Since then they have retreated out of AA and artillery range of Kyiv, and the reported S-series air defense batteries defending the capital have increased. Simply put, Russia has no real say over who goes to Kyiv. Ukraine is a big country, and they have been beaten back to frontlines that are quite far from Kyiv.

The several posts here which imply the Russians are choosing not to interfere grant them more military competence than they have demonstrated - and are ignorant of the war’s present geography.

Re: Ask HN: How are world leaders able to visit Ukraine?

#13

Earlier quoted context omitted.

Support would be the least of their worries. Triggering a direct NATO response would mean fighting first class armies, not their deprecated weapon systems.

> Triggering a direct NATO response would mean fighting first class armies Agreed. However a political casulty probably would not provoke a military response, yet.

Historically, political leader assassinations have triggered wars or military responses. What would be the difference in this case?

I suspect the death of the German Chancellor or French President, caused by a direct attack by Russia, wouldn’t be taken lightly.

Re: Ask HN: How are world leaders able to visit Ukraine?

#14

Earlier quoted context omitted.

> Triggering a direct NATO response would mean fighting first class armies Agreed. However a political casulty probably would not provoke a military response, yet.

Historically, political leader assassinations have triggered wars or military responses. What would be the difference in this case? I suspect the death of the German Chancellor or French President, caused by a direct attack by Russia, wouldn’t be taken lightly.

> Historically, political leader assassinations have triggered wars or military responses

Because everyone involved was looking for a pretext to war. So far NATO members shy away from confrontation.

Re: Ask HN: How are world leaders able to visit Ukraine?

#15
post #9

On top of what everyone else said, I wouldn't be surprised if either a) Russia had some way of know who was on what plane coming into Kiev, or b) there is a back channel of communications to Russia letting them know a head of state is coming in.

Politicians dont use planes when visiting Kyiv, all visits are by train.

Re: Ask HN: How are world leaders able to visit Ukraine?

#16
post #11

The Russian armed forces do not have control of or indeed the ability to control Kyiv’s airspace. They spectacularly failed to take the city in their first assault and even at that time were unable to gain air superiority. Since then they have retreated out of AA and artillery range of Kyiv, and the reported S-series air defense batteries defending the capital have increased. Simply put, Russia has no real say over w…

Just 4 hours ago there were air sirens over both Odessa and Kyiv caused by incoming Cruise missiles. https://liveuamap.com/en/2022/16-june-kyiv2324-red-alert-aer...

Re: Ask HN: How are world leaders able to visit Ukraine?

#17
post #15
post #9

On top of what everyone else said, I wouldn't be surprised if either a) Russia had some way of know who was on what plane coming into Kiev, or b) there is a back channel of communications to Russia letting them know a head of state is coming in.

Politicians dont use planes when visiting Kyiv, all visits are by train.

Thanks for the info - I didn't know that.
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