US President Joe Biden mentioned Monday he would not ship American fighter jets to Ukraine, at the same time as america ramps up navy help within the type of artillery and tanks.
“No,” Biden mentioned when requested by a reporter whether or not he would ship F16 jets to Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sought fighter jets to assist maintain his warfare effort towards Russia. Biden has constantly mentioned the planes aren’t on the desk, at the same time as he has given support in different areas.
Final week, for instance, Biden introduced he would ship 31 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, regardless of high US officers saying beforehand the heavy-duty autos have been a poor match for the nation’s navy.
Talking on the White Home South Garden, Biden additionally mentioned he wasn’t positive whether or not he would go to Europe subsequent month for the primary anniversary of the beginning of the warfare in Ukraine.
In response to a separate query, Biden mentioned he was planning to go to Poland, however wasn’t positive when.
CNN reported final week the White Home was exploring the potential for a Biden go to to Europe to mark 12 months since Russia invaded Ukraine.
Some background: Ukrainian leaders have renewed their appeals for Western fighter jets. “I despatched a want record card to Santa Claus final yr, and fighter jets additionally [were] together with on this want record,” Protection Minister Oleksii Reznikov told CNN last week.
US Nationwide Safety Council spokesperson John Kirby acknowledged Friday that Zelensky had requested for fighter jets. “We’re always speaking to the Ukrainians about their wants, and need to be sure that we’re doing the very best we are able to to fulfill them — and if we are able to’t, that a few of our allies and companions can,” Kirby mentioned.
