Similar to Israel: the U.S. has responded regarding the potential deployment of the THAAD missile interception system near Ukraine.

The United States will not deploy the THAAD medium-range missile interception system near Ukraine, which can intercept Russian missiles and drones. This announcement was made by Pentagon Deputy Spokesperson Sabrina Singh. However, such a system exists in Israel, and according to her, this is because the Russian-Ukrainian war and the conflict in the Middle East are different.

She made this statement during a briefing. Singh emphasized that the U.S. Department of Defense and government continue to support Israel and Ukraine in meeting their defense needs.

The official responded to a question about why the U.S. is deploying the THAAD system in Israel to protect against Iranian ballistic missiles but is not doing so in NATO countries to safeguard western Ukraine from Russian missile attacks. She noted that these are two distinct situations.

“These are different wars, different regions, and the commitments to Israel and Ukraine are different,” she stated.

What is THAAD

THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) is an American missile defense system designed to intercept and destroy medium- and short-range ballistic missiles at high altitudes during their terminal flight phase. The system uses high-precision interceptor missiles without explosive warheads, which eliminate targets through kinetic energy on impact.

Intercepting missiles over Ukraine

Recently, Volodymyr Zelensky met with NATO's new Secretary General Mark Rutte following his unannounced visit to Kyiv. The head of state stated that the Alliance could intercept missiles over Ukraine and reminded that Kyiv is awaiting an invitation to NATO.

In September, the president stated that the West has not yet helped Ukraine in downing enemy missiles. He noted that partners are even reluctant to discuss this issue. The president added that currently only Belarus has reported intercepting "Shaheds."

An informant previously explained why the neighboring Poland does not provide the relevant assistance to Ukraine, despite Russian drones frequently flying towards it.