US President Joe Biden stated Monday he would not ship American fighter jets to Ukraine, whilst the US ramps up navy help within the type of artillery and tanks.
“No,” Biden stated 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 in opposition to Russia. Biden has persistently stated the planes aren’t on the desk, whilst he has given help in different areas.
Final week, for instance, Biden introduced he would ship 31 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, regardless of prime US officers saying beforehand the heavy-duty automobiles have been a poor match for the nation’s navy.
Talking on the White Home South Garden, Biden additionally stated he wasn’t certain 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 stated he was planning to go to Poland, however wasn’t certain when.
CNN reported final week the White Home was exploring the potential of 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 checklist card to Santa Claus final yr, and fighter jets additionally [were] together with on this want checklist,” Protection Minister Oleksii Reznikov instructed CNN final 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 wish to be sure that we’re doing the perfect we are able to to satisfy them — and if we are able to’t, that a few of our allies and companions can,” Kirby stated.