Pentagon rules out NATO air defense role in Ukraine to avoid war involvement
The Pentagon clarified that NATO will not intercept missiles over Ukraine as it does in Israel, citing distinct battlefield conditions and the risk of direct war involvement.
The US Department of Defense said on 3 October that NATO will not intercept missiles and drones over Ukraine in the same manner as it does over Israel, citing significant differences in the landscapes and battlefields.
According to the Pentagon’s website, Pentagon Deputy Spokesperson Sabrina Singh said during a briefing that these are “two very different landscapes and battlefields.”
When questioned about potential strikes from Polish or Romanian territory, Singh confirmed that such actions “would be involving us in a war in a different way.”
Singh highlighted Ukraine’s “successful defense” against Russian attacks on its cities, population, and infrastructure. She assured that the United States would continue supporting Ukraine for these efforts.
The statements come after Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed on 3 October with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte the strengthening of air defense and Ukraine’s membership in NATO during the first Rutte’s visit to Kyiv in the new role.
Zelenskyy also called for joint defense of the sky, similar to those currently operating in Israel.
“We see that one of the main reasons for the security deficit in the skies of Ukraine, and in particular near NATO borders – our neighbors – is the deficit of decisions on joint work, on joint defense,” Zelenskyy explained.
“What works in the skies of the Middle East and helps Israel’s defense can work in the skies of our part of Europe – in Ukraine, similarly helping to save lives,” he added.
Read also:
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- Over one-third of ammo planned under Czech initiative delivered to Ukraine, says envoy
- Zelenskyy: Withdrawal from Vuhledar necessary to save lifes of Ukrainian soldiers
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