Mike Brest
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky watched as the United States was part of an international effort to assist Israel in defending against Iran’s aerial assault.
Several countries shot down Iranian-fired ballistic and cruise missiles and one-way attack drones on Saturday night as they headed for Israel. But, those countries — the U.S., U.K., Jordan, and France — have not directly involved themselves in Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s regular aerial assaults over more than two years of war.
“The entire world witnessed allied action in the skies above Israel and neighboring countries. It demonstrated how truly effective unity in defending against terror can be when it is based on sufficient political will,” the Ukrainian leader said. “Israel, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Jordan acted together and with maximum efficiency. Together, they prevented terror from prevailing. And they are working together, and in coordination with others, to prevent further escalation.”
Iran has provided hundreds of one-way attack drones to Russia over the course of the war.
He said Iran’s drones “sound identical” whether they’re targeted at Israel or Ukraine.
“European skies could have received the same level of protection long ago if Ukraine had received similar full support from its partners in intercepting drones and missiles. Terror must be defeated completely and everywhere, not more in some places and less in others,” Zelensky added.
The countries that were directly involved in defending Israel over the weekend have not done the same for Ukraine. Instead, several countries, including the U.S., have provided Ukraine with billions of dollars of military equipment but have not directly involved themselves in the conflict.
Israeli Iron Dome air defense system launches to intercept missiles fired from Iran, in central Israel, Sunday, April 14, 2024. Iran launched its first direct military attack against Israel on Saturday. The Israeli military says Iran fired more than 100 bomb-carrying drones toward Israel. Hours later, Iran announced it had also launched much more destructive ballistic missiles.
President Joe Biden has said since the onset of the conflict that the U.S. would not send troops directly to Ukraine to engage in combat against Russian forces.
“Different conflicts, different airspace, different threat picture, and the president has been clear since the beginning of the conflict in Ukraine the United States will not be involved in this conflict in a combat role and we haven’t,” National Security Council spokesman John Kirby told reporters.
The Israelis and the coalition of militaries that aided them were able to intercept 99% of the munitions fired at Israel, many of which did not reach Israeli airspace.
Zelensky has long had an extensive wish list directed at the U.S. and allies. While the U.S. has provided Ukraine with tens of billions of dollars of military aid, they have chosen not to meet some of Ukraine’s more sophisticated requests out of concern for possible Russian escalation.
The U.S. has been unable to provide military support to Ukraine for several months due to Congress’s inability to pass a supplemental funding bill that would include tens of billions of dollars for Ukraine aid. House Republicans are primarily responsible for the stalled legislation.
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