Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has pleaded for western supporters to share fighter jets, however Nato allies have been hesitant.
Poland’s president has mentioned his nation plans to present Ukraine round a dozen MiG-29 fighter jets, which might make it the primary Nato member to fulfil Kyiv’s more and more pressing requests for warplanes.
Andrzej Duda mentioned Poland would hand over 4 of the Soviet-made warplanes “throughout the subsequent few days” however the remaining want servicing and can be provided later.
The Polish phrase he used to explain their quantity can imply between 11 and 19.
“They’re within the final years of their functioning however they’re in good working situation,” Mr Duda mentioned of the plane.
He didn’t say whether or not different nations would make the identical transfer, though Slovakia has mentioned it is going to ship its disused MiGs to Ukraine.
On Wednesday, Polish authorities spokesman Piotr Mueller mentioned another nations with MiGs had additionally pledged them to Kyiv, however he didn’t identify them.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has pleaded for western supporters to share fighter jets, however Nato allies have been hesitant.
Earlier than Russia’s full-scale invasion, Ukraine had a number of dozen MiG-29s inherited within the collapse of the Soviet Union, however it’s unclear what number of stay in service after greater than a yr of combating.
The talk over whether or not to supply non-Nato nation Ukraine with fighter jets was initiated over a yr in the past, however the alliance has been cautious of creating the warfare escalate.
Mr Duda made the announcement throughout a joint information convention in Warsaw with the visiting Czech president, Petr Pavel.
The Polish chief mentioned his air power will substitute the planes it offers to Ukraine with South Korea-made FA-50 fighters and American-made F-35s.
Poland was the primary Nato nation at hand German-made Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine final month.
Poland is a vital ally within the Ukraine disaster. It’s internet hosting 1000’s of American troops and is taking in additional individuals fleeing the warfare in Ukraine than another nation, within the midst of the biggest European refugee disaster in many years.
It has suffered invasions and occupations by Russia for hundreds of years and nonetheless fears Russia regardless of being a member of Nato.
