US Air Force Will Not Directly Engage in Ukraine, Confirms State Department Spokesperson
On the 784th day of the Russian-Ukrainian war, Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the US State Department, announced that American aircraft would not engage with Russian forces in Ukrainian airspace.
This statement came in response to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's recent calls for Western allies to defend Ukraine in the same manner Israel is defended against Iranian attacks.
Miller elaborated on the decision, highlighting the distinct relationship the United States shares with Israel compared to Ukraine. "Our relationship with Ukraine and Israel is completely different. We have decades-long ties with Israel. Ukraine is in a completely different situation regarding security partnerships. The United States is not in an armed conflict with Russia that requires our aircraft to engage in Ukraine's airspace, and we do not intend to enter such a conflict," said Miller. Further emphasizing President Biden's ongoing commitment, Miller reassured that the US intends to continue providing Ukraine with additional air defense systems in the future, as reported by The Kyiv Independent.
In the face of escalating challenges, President Zelensky conceded that Ukraine is at risk of losing the war if the current situation persists. Daily defeats at the hands of Russian forces and constant pressure forcing Ukrainian troops to retreat were cited by the President. Zelensky warned that without Western support, the loss of the war is inevitable.