US Discusses Support for Russian Long-Range Air Defense Systems to Ukraine

John Kirby, U.S. Department of Defense Spokesperson
Photo by AP Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] The United States is discussing providing Ukraine with a long-range air defense missile system. This is to enhance Ukraine's defense capabilities against missile attacks from Russia.

John Kirby, spokesperson for the Department of Defense, said at a press briefing on the 21st (local time), "The United States is consulting with other countries to provide Ukraine with defensive capabilities, including long-range surface-to-air missile systems, and active discussions are underway."

Kirby emphasized focusing on providing air defense systems that the Ukrainian military is familiar with operating. This suggests the possibility of supplying Soviet-era air defense systems that the Ukrainian forces know how to use and have trained with.

Earlier, U.S. media reported that the United States is providing Ukraine with Soviet air defense systems. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on the same day, citing U.S. government officials, that "the United States is supporting Ukraine with Soviet-era air defense systems, including the SA-8 mobile missile air defense system, which have been secretly accumulated over decades."

Ukraine already possesses the advanced long-range S-300 air defense system, known as the SA-10. However, to neutralize Russian missile attacks, air defense weapons operable at medium to long ranges are needed. WSJ explained, "The SA-8 is a short-range tactical air defense system designed to move with ground forces; although its range is short, it is highly mobile and easy to conceal."

On the previous day, reports emerged that the United States recently discussed providing Ukraine with Soviet-era S-300 air defense missiles from Slovakia and Russian-made S-400 air defense missiles from Turkey. Kirby responded, "Nothing has been concretely coordinated enough to announce at this time, but the United States is actively engaged in discussions."

The recently passed U.S. defense budget bill includes provisions allowing the U.S. administration to transfer military equipment such as aircraft, ammunition, and vehicles to the Ukrainian military and NATO forces. A U.S. congressional official stated, "Soviet air defense systems will be subject to the new legislation."

This U.S. support is an alternative to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's request to establish a no-fly zone over Ukrainian airspace or to provide fighter jets. Western countries, including the United States, have rejected Zelensky's request due to concerns about direct military conflict with Russia but have been considering providing air defense missiles capable of fighter jet-level power instead. There is also hope within the United States that such support will have effects similar to establishing a no-fly zone.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.