On Tuesday, it was said that Britain and the Netherlands wanted to forge an “international coalition” to supply Ukraine with fighter jets. Now came a setback: London did not want to give the impression of wanting to equip Ukraine with this plane.
“Britain will not supply Ukraine with fighter jets,” said Defense Secretary Ben Wallace (see tweet below) during a visit to Berlin on Wednesday. At best, it involves training Ukrainian pilots so that they can fly Western fighter jets in the future. The Dutch government also kept a low profile.
There is no progress to report on the issue, Foreign Minister Wopke Hoekstra said in Amsterdam. The Dutch government had previously announced that it would work with Great Britain, Denmark, Belgium and other partners to equip Ukraine with the necessary American F-16 fighter jets. “We have not yet found a solution. If we are over the hill and can communicate something, we will,” British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on Tuesday. wanted to form an “international coalition to equip Ukraine with aerial combat capabilities”, including the F-16.
training support
After meeting with German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, Wallace said the best thing to do is to train Ukrainian pilots so they can fly Western fighter jets in the future. The F-16, which is not in the British Air Force inventory, is sought after here. “What we can do is train and support,” Wallace said. Then other partners could also supply fighter jets.
He warned against viewing the delivery of fighter jets as a “magic wand” that could lead to a decision. According to Wallace, Kiev has expressed a preference for the American aircraft type F-16. These aircraft are not in the British Armed Forces inventory. However, stock Eurofighters are not suitable.
In the short term, it is more important to equip Ukraine with capabilities comparable to fighter jets. Wallace said that had already happened with the delivery of the Storm Shadow cruise missile, for example. He also emphasized Germany’s contribution to Ukraine’s air defense.
Pistorius: ‘Germany cannot play an active role’
After the meeting with Wallace, Pistorius also confirmed that the Bundeswehr would not hand over fighter jets to Ukraine. Germany “cannot play an active role here,” Pistorius said at a joint press conference. “None of these questions will be decided in Berlin.” The Bundeswehr has neither the capabilities nor the competences. Germany, meanwhile, is an expert in tanks and air defense and will also focus on supplying ammunition. In addition, Germany sees an obligation to help repair tanks, for example.
“It’s up to the US to decide”
Pistorius also pointed out that the decision ultimately rests with the United States. “Ultimately, as far as I know, it’s up to the White House to decide: Can the F-16 fighter jets be delivered at all? Can you train on these planes? None of these questions will be decided in Berlin.”
“We’ve focused on that and we’ve focused on what we’re doing. This is now very relevant to Ukraine’s ability to defend itself,” German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said on the sidelines of the Council of Ministers’ summit in Reykjavik on Wednesday. Europe.
He mentioned tank deliveries, the maintenance of weapon systems, ammunition and the strengthening of air defenses against Russian attacks. Germany has already made further commitments in these areas. Scholz responded to the question of whether Germany would participate in the joint alliance announced by the Netherlands, Great Britain and France for the training of jet fighter pilots and the supply of jet fighters.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
