● Ukrainian President thanks Britain for its continued support ● Asks Britain for modern fighter aircraft ● Modern fighter jets would blunt any new Russian offensive ● U.K. announces Ukrainian jet pilot training initiative
U.K. Speaker of the House of Commons, Sir Lindsay Hoyle examines a Ukrainian pilot’s helmet (Stefan Rousseau/pool photo via AP)
Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, fresh and clearly energized by the promise of Main Battle Tanks by NATO and the United States, has forcefully reiterated his plea for modern fighter jets during an address to the U.K. Parliament.
During the address (which received rapturous applause), Zelenskyy once again thanked the British people for their continued support as the war between Ukraine and Russia enters its second year. The Ukrainian President’s surprise visit to the U.K. , and the appeal for more advanced weapons may be the result of reliable intelligence regarding Russia’s intention to recommit itself to offensive operations in Ukraine. However, it is almost certainly also aimed at bolstering Ukrainian forces as they prepare to retake further territory from Moscow’s forces.
The United Kingdom has, in the past balked at the supply of jets to Ukraine, citing reasons including the complexity of flying the jets, and for fear of escalating the conflict. However, the stance of the U’K. government may be subtly changing. On the same day as Zelenskyy’s address to parliament the U.K. announced it would begin training Ukrainian pilots on ‘NATO Standard’ jets.
Zelenskyy will round out his whirlwind European tour with a visit to Paris where he and German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz will be hosted by the French President. It is almost certain that increased arms shipments of advanced weaponry and ammunition will be discussed.
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We walk a fine line on this one. We should give us much support as we can without looking like we are to be tacitly involved. Fighter jets are expensive, less effective (without major training or flying them ourselves [tacitly involved],) and what we have provided (in the billions of dollars worth) has been hugely successful already. He’s in a position that he needs to ask for what he asks for, but we are in a position where we must be cautious unless we truly want a World War III.
