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Ukrainian airspace is deserted from plane traffic because it is very dangerous in the midst of the Russian invasion. Photo/REUTERS
Carroll, who has experience flying F-14 fighter jets, told Newsweek that it is very dangerous for fighter pilots to operate in Ukrainian airspace.
He even suspected that Moscow’s convoy of reinforcements to Ukraine would be stopped because it was vulnerable to being misdirected.
“They are basically grounded. If they fly, they die,” Carroll said of the Ukrainian Air Force Moscow is fighting against.
Also read: Record-breaking Russian S-400 missile system shoots down Ukrainian fighter jet
According to him, given Russia’s overwhelming air power, this will be an asset that Moscow can leverage as the war enters its second week.
As is well known, Moscow has not used its advanced fighter jets since starting the invasion on February 24. The tactic has baffled Western military experts.
Carroll, who is now a writer and host of a YouTube channel discussing military affairs, said any sortie being flown by Ukrainian fighter jets at this stage of the conflict would be a mission of last resort.
“That is why, the idea of sending more aircraft like the MiG-29 is still being debated at the moment,” he said.
“Ukraine can fly for a short strike, a quick strike, and then return to deck and hide the jet,” he said.
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