British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace said the UK has not made a “solid decision” not to send its fighter jets to Ukraine, but does not think it is the right approach “for now,” The Guardian reported.
On 31 January, the UK government spokesperson said supplying western jets was not practical: “These are sophisticated pieces of equipment. We do not think it is practical to send those jets into Ukraine.”
Ukraine needs up to 200 multi-purpose aircraft to defend its skies – Air Force spox
Now, asked why Britain would not send jets to Ukraine, Wallace said:
“I’ve been involved with this for a pretty long time. And I’ve learned two things: never rule anything in and never rule anything out,” he said adding that the decision wasn’t “solid” and that “For now, I don’t think that’s the right approach … What’s going to move on this conflict this year is going to be the ability for Ukrainians to deploy western armour against Russia.”
Read also:
- Netherlands would consider helping Ukraine with F-16 fighters, Leopard 2 tanks – NL Times
- Ukraine’s Air Force spokesman says El Pais misinterpreted his remark on western fighter jet supplies (updated)
- Slovakia ready to send MiG-29 jets to Ukraine, talks underway – Slovakia FM
- Swedish MP calls to allow selling SAAB JAS 39 Gripen fighter jets to Ukraine
