Why the US shoots down missiles in Israel but not in Ukraine

The United States can shoot down Iranian missiles over Israel, but it does not want to destroy Russian missiles over Ukraine. The main reason for this is that Russia is armed with nuclear weapons, while Iran is not.

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to Politico.

A senior aide to the US Senate who works on Ukraine issues said that there is a much greater risk if the US shoots down missiles over Ukraine as it does over Israel.

“The hard answer, which Ukrainians may not like to hear, but unfortunately is true, is that we can risk shooting down Iranian missiles over Israel without provoking a direct war with Tehran that could lead to nuclear war,” he said.

Two officials in the administration of US President Joe Biden, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the same thing.

According to Politico, sending US troops to shoot down Russian missiles over Ukraine could provoke a direct military clash between the world's two major nuclear powers amid the largest war in Europe since World War II - with “potentially apocalyptic consequences.” Whereas in the Middle East, the United States can shoot down missiles over Israel without provoking a war with a nuclear enemy.

Author - Olena Madiak, 16/10/2024