Ukraine and NATO Launch Initiative to Target Russian Airfields

Ukraine's Ministry of Defense has announced another set of what it calls "offensive plans," or, as Ukrainian officials often describe them, "long-range sanctions." The initiative has been presented in the following terms: "Every Russian air sortie against Ukraine begins at an airfield. Therefore, Ukraine, together with NATO, is beginning to seek solutions for the permanent denial of Russian Aerospace Forces airfields." There is no great mystery in this announcement. Military logic alone points in this direction. While Russia is increasingly focusing its efforts on protecting oil refineries, defense-industry enterprises, roads, and other critical facilities, Kyiv appears to be preparing its next move. Ukrainian forces have targeted military airfields before, though primarily those located near the combat zone. Now, however, Kyiv appears ready to extend its reach much farther.