US Considers Providing Polish Fighter Jets to Ukraine

On the 3rd (local time), buildings and vehicles in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, were shattered by indiscriminate bombings by Russian forces. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Joselgina] On the 6th (local time), the United States announced that it is considering a plan to support Poland's fighter jets to Ukraine, which was invaded by Russia.

According to the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) and others, U.S. Secretary of State Tony Blinken confirmed this while transiting Moldova during his visit to Europe. Secretary Blinken said, "We are actively considering whether Poland can provide its fighter jets to Ukraine," adding, "If support is provided, we (the United States) are looking into how to fill the (Poland's military) gap."

If Poland transfers Russian-made MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine, the United States would fill Poland's military gap by providing F-16 fighter jets to Poland. He added, "I cannot speak about the schedule," but said, "I can say that we are considering this very, very actively."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky previously requested this plan during video calls with Eastern European countries and the U.S. Congress. Approval from Congress and other procedures are required to authorize the provision of fighter jets.

However, the Polish Prime Minister's Office dismissed this plan on the same day. Polish Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki stated on Twitter, "Poland will neither send fighter jets to Ukraine nor allow the use of its airports," adding, "We are providing significant support in other areas."

Eastern European countries possess a large number of Russian-made fighter jets. However, they are reportedly concerned about military capability gaps.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.