NATO countries not to intercept missiles and drones over Ukraine - Pentagon
Photo: Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh (Getty Images)
Countries of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) will not intercept missiles and drones over Ukrainian territory, as such actions would entangle them in a war with Russia, according to Sabrina Singh, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary.
According to officials, the assistance provided by allies in shooting down hostile drones over Israel and similar actions in Ukraine represent "two very different landscapes and battlefields."
Sabrina Singh noted that US President Joe Biden, at the onset of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, "directed to provide Ukraine what it needs on the battlefield." The Ukrainian Armed Forces have effectively employed air defense systems and other capabilities to continue reclaiming their territory.
"The secretary just had a call with Mr. Umerov, getting that battlefield update and getting to better understand what other capabilities they (Ukrainian Armed Forces -ed.) might need, if any. The president has made a commitment that the United States is not putting boots on the ground into Ukraine, but we are supporting Ukraine in their efforts to take back their sovereign territory," she emphasized.
When asked if shooting down hostile targets from Romanian or Polish territory could be considered as "putting boots on the ground," Singh replied that it would draw Western countries into the conflict.
"That would be involving us in a war in a different way. Right now, we feel that Ukraine has been able to successfully defend against Russian strikes on their cities, their populations, and their infrastructure. And we're going to continue to make sure that they have the support that they need to do that," stated the Pentagon's deputy spokesperson.
NATO assistance in intercepting enemy targets over Ukraine
Kyiv has repeatedly called upon neighboring countries to assist in intercepting Russian missiles and drones that enter the airspace and approach NATO's western borders.
On Thursday, October 3, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, stated that Kyiv would continue to persuade partners of the necessity to intercept Russian drones and missiles. According to him, the results of negotiations on this matter are needed before winter.
For his part, Rutte noted that national authorities decide whether to intercept drones and missiles violating NATO airspace.
Later, Zelenskyy explained the reasons for the security deficit in Ukrainian airspace.
