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Ukraine Wants US THAAD Missile Shield to Push Back Russian Aircraft, Zelenskyy Says
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![Photo of Ivan Khomenko]( "Photo of Ivan Khomenko")
Ukraine is preparing formal requests to the United States and Middle Eastern partners for the transfer of THAAD missile defense systems, which Kyiv believes could significantly reduce the threat from Russian aerial attacks.
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According to a statement from President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a media briefing on April 2, Ukraine is looking to expand its air and missile defense capabilities with systems currently operated by Gulf countries but not available in Europe.
“It is very important that they be deployed in Ukraine. In that case, for example, there simply wouldn’t be any threat from Russian aerial bombs in Ukraine. At a minimum, we would eliminate this threat within a 200-kilometer range. Russian aircraft simply would not be able to approach,” Zelenskyy said.
The president stated that Ukraine will include its proposals regarding security guarantees and defense needs in a document to be shared with the US in the coming days. Washington is expected to review the proposals and provide feedback.
Zelenskyy added that Kyiv aims to clarify what response mechanisms the US would apply in the event of renewed Russian aggression.
Ukraine has already held consultations with representatives from Middle Eastern and Gulf countries regarding advanced air defense systems. Zelenskyy emphasized that Kyiv is specifically interested in anti-ballistic systems such as THAAD, which are not currently deployed anywhere in Europe.
THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) is a US-developed missile defense system designed to intercept ballistic missiles at high altitudes, including outside the atmosphere.
A key component of the system is the AN/TPY-2 radar, which operates in the X-band and can detect and track targets at distances reportedly ranging from 1,000 to 2,000 kilometers. The radar covers a sector of approximately 120 degrees, requiring multiple units for full coverage.
The system can also receive targeting data from external sources, including satellites, as part of integrated air defense networks.
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Zelenskyy also linked the request for THAAD to broader discussions on long-term security guarantees. “There must be a clear answer as to what the United States’ response will be in the event of renewed Russian aggression,” he said, adding that Ukraine continues to maintain an 800,000-strong military while seeking clarity on future funding mechanisms beyond its national budget.
Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia lost around 89,000 troops killed or seriously wounded in the first three months of 2026, while recruitment lagged behind losses, according to Ukrainian data.
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