WASHINGTON (Realist English). The United States does not want to start World War III, White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said.
On March 16, speaking to members of the US Congress, President Vladimir Zelensky called for the establishment of a no-fly zone over the Ukraine.
Psaki stressed that Washington’s refusal is associated with the interests of US national security.
«As we’ve said before, a no-fly zone would require implementation,” White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki told reporters on Wednesday.“It would require us potentially shooting down Russian planes, NATO shooting down Russian planes.”
She clarified that Washington sees no difference between humanitarian and military no-fly zones in the Ukraine, since both options will lead to further escalation of the conflict.
US President Joe Biden and his advisers have consistently rejected the idea of creating a no-fly zone over the Ukraine. They claim that this strategy will lead to a direct battle between American and Russian troops and risks turning into an uncontrolled escalation.
On March 15, the United States Permanent Representative to NATO Julianne Smith, said that the North Atlantic Alliance does not plan to discuss now the issue of introducing a no-fly zone over Ukraine.
On March 9, the Russian Defense Ministry reported that the Ukrainian air defense system is only of a focal nature and is not capable of providing significant counteraction to Russian aviation.