What Did I Just Hear?

 

My ears perk up at something Ukrainian president Zelenskyy has just said. He mentions being in contact with French President Macron, Turkish President Erdogan, Polish President Duda. This makes sense; all are especially active in helping Ukraine. But he also mentions being in contact with the leaders of Saudi Arabia and the UAE.

What do they have to do with what is happening in Ukraine?

Saudi Arabia and the UAE have, between them, formidable air forces, with the latest equipment and extraordinary pilots. I taught at the UAE’s Air Force College. Flying is an Arab specialty, and it attracts their best and brightest. I think they might have the wherewithal and the moxie to take on the Russian Air Force in Ukraine, and enforce a no-fly zone. 

As I suggested with the Philippines or Thailand, they might be a useful proxy for the West, avoiding a direct confrontation of nuclear powers.

This might also explain Zelenskyy's evident upbeat mood.