(ORDO NEWS) — The Ukrainian parliament tweeted on Monday that Europe would send 70 fighter jets to Ukraine, Politico writes. The author of the article points out that the EU will finance not only this, but also the supply of thousands of anti-tank missiles, machine guns, artillery pieces and other equipment.
Ukrainian pilots arrived in Poland to pick up fighter jets donated by European countries, a government spokesman said.
The transfer of old Russian-made aircraft for combat operations against Russian troops may be the most significant moment in the wave of promised weapons deliveries over the past day. Among other things, Ukraine was promised thousands of anti-tank missiles, machine guns, artillery pieces and other equipment.
Which countries are donating the fighter jets is not yet clear, but European Union security chief Josep Borrell promised over the weekend that the transfer of fighters from a number of countries would be funded by the EU.
On Monday, Borrell backtracked, acknowledging that the initiative would not come from the EU itself – instead the planes would be donated “bilaterally” by individual members of the bloc.
Representatives of the governments of Poland and Slovakia did not respond to a request for comment, while Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov declined a request for comment.
Poland and Slovakia still fly Soviet-made aircraft, similar to those in service with the Ukrainian Air Force, which means that long-term pilot training will not be required.
In an effort to increase pressure on and force European politicians to act, the Ukrainian parliament tweeted on Monday that Europe was sending 70 fighter jets to Ukraine, including 28 MiG-29s from Poland, 12 from Slovakia and 16 from Bulgaria, as well as 14 Su-25s from Bulgaria.
The fighter jet drama was the culmination of a flurry of similar claims over the weekend. European leaders have promised the Ukrainian armed forces an influx of new weapons to help them fend off the Russian operation. This is an open demonstration that Europe has regained the will to punish the Kremlin with painful blows for military adventurism.
Since the air corridors to Kyiv are blocked by Russian air defense systems and fighter jets, the US and European powers began to bring weapons into the country by land.
Poland, Estonia and Latvia were among the first to act, sending ammunition, Javelin anti-tank weapons, fuel and medicines to the border with Ukraine for transfer to its troops.
Finland joined the “club” on Monday, promising Ukraine 2,500 assault rifles, ammunition, 1,500 anti-tank guns and 70,000 rations. Neighboring Sweden is also preparing a big arms and aid package, announcing the upcoming delivery of 135,000 rations, 5,000 helmets, body armor and 5,000 anti-tank weapons.
Canadian Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly will travel to Poland on Tuesday to coordinate the dispatch of 100 Carl Gustaf anti-tank missile launchers, as well as 2,000 ammunition and other aid.
In a conversation with reporters before the trip, she said: “We will definitely send lethal aid to Ukraine. My role in this is to make sure that this aid falls into the hands of Ukrainian soldiers who are fighting for life and fighting for their Motherland. That is why I secured the consent of Poland, to make sure the shipment will be made across their border.”
One of the biggest surprises in recent European political history was delivered by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Saturday when he announced he would send 1,000 anti-tank guns and 500 Stinger missiles to Ukraine, ending a post-war ban on arms transfers to warring countries. In addition, Scholz promised a $100 billion injection into the German army.
President Joe Biden also ordered on Friday that up to $350 million worth of weapons from the US stockpile be transferred to Ukraine. Speaking to reporters at the Pentagon on Monday, a senior US Department of Defense official did not elaborate, but said the package would include both ground and air defense capabilities.
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