Zelensky pleas for no-fly zone as missiles destroy Vinnytsia airport

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reiterated his pleas for a no-fly zone in a new video posted Sunday, after Russian missiles struck the city of Vinnytsia, destroying the city's regional airport.

Why it matters: Alliance leaders have thus far ruled out declaring a no-fly zone, as it could trigger a widespread conventional war between a non-NATO member state, NATO nations and a nuclear-powered Russia.

What he's saying: Russia's "brutal, cynical" attack on Vinnytsia has left the city's airport "completely destroyed," Zelensky said.

• "We repeat every day: 'close the sky over Ukraine!' Close for all Russian missiles, Russian combat aircraft, for all these terrorists. Make a humanitarian air zone,” he said.
• “If you do not do that, if you at least do not give us aircraft for us to be able to protect ourselves, there can be only one conclusion: you want us to be slowly killed."

Go deeper:

• "Why Ukraine wants a no-fly zone — but is unlikely to get one"
• Axios explains Ukraine
• The latest on the Russia-Ukraine crisis