- October 17, 2024
- 3:39 pm
- Ukraine
In an article from Politico October 16, 2024 rises the question of differences in US approaches to the defense of Israel and Ukraine. While Israel is actively defended by American air defense systems against Iranian missiles, Ukraine faces daily Russian strikes and does not receive the same level of assistance.
This causes criticism from Kyiv, which considers this US policy unfair.
Ukraine's question about protection
Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky directly asked the question about the difference in support:
“If allies are shooting down missiles in the skies over the Middle East, why is there still no decision to shoot down drones and missiles over Ukraine?”
Ukrainian diplomats added that the protection of citizens of any country should be a priority, regardless of the region.
Why is the US cautious with Russia?
Politico explains that the reason for US caution is that Russia is a nuclear power, while Iran is not. One of the US Senate representatives working on the Ukrainian issue said:
“The Ukrainians may not like this answer, but the truth is that we can afford to shoot down Iranian missiles over Israel without risking a war with a nuclear state, which is impossible in the case of Russia.”
Thus, the possible participation of the United States in the protection of Ukrainian skies “could lead to a direct conflict with Russia, which threatens a global catastrophe.”
| Risk factors | Russia | Iran |
|---|---|---|
| Presence of nuclear weapons | Yes | No |
| Risk of nuclear escalation | High | Short |
| Possibility of direct military intervention | Limited | More possible |
Limited NATO and US actions in Europe
Some of Ukraine's allies, such as Poland and Romania, have responded to incoming Russian missiles and drones, but so far have only observed without intervening. Poland has made it clear that it will not act without the support of all of NATO, and the American administration does not want to escalate the conflict with Russia.
Ukraine hopes that sooner or later Western countries will decide to protect its airspace in the same way as they protect Israel. However, according to the article, deliveries of more powerful weapons and support to Ukraine are being delayed due to fear of Russian red lines.
Emotional connection between the US and Israel
The emotional and historical connection between countries plays a special role in supporting Israel. The decades-long relationship makes Israel a unique partner for the United States.
“Israel occupies a unique place in US policy and defense strategy,” notes Politico.
Ukraine, although receiving support, continues to be frustrated that American assistance is limited, especially compared to the way Israel is defending itself.
The danger of nuclear proliferation
Ukrainian analysts warn that the difference in US approaches to Russia and Iran sends a dangerous signal to the international community. This could push countries such as Iran to seek nuclear weapons, which would destroy the global non-proliferation system.
Ukrainian expert Nikolai Beleskov concludes:
“The conclusion we draw from the difference in approaches to Israel and Ukraine is that it is better to have nuclear weapons than not to have them.”
Conclusion
Ukraine continues to demand more active support from its allies in the fight against Russian aggression, but the difference in approaches to Ukraine and Israel is based on fears of nuclear escalation with Russia. The United States continues to balance between supporting Ukraine and trying to avoid a direct military clash with Moscow.
