Kyiv and its Western allies are in the midst of negotiating for long-range missiles and fighter jets
Ukraine is in talks with the West for long-range missiles to prevent Russia from destroying Ukrainian cities.
This comes after the United States (U.S.) announced to send 31 M-1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine. Prior to that, Germany announced to send 14 Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine. Germany also allowed other countries to pass on their Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine’s front line, which was restricted until now under export regulations.
As of now, there are more than 100 artillery warehouses on the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula.
Speaking on the occasion, the President of Ukraine – Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, “Ukraine needs long-range missiles to deprive the occupier of the opportunity to place its missile launchers somewhere far from the front line and destroy Ukrainian cities.”
He said that Ukraine wants to preempt Russian attacks on Ukrainian urban areas and civilians. Ukraine needs the U.S.- made ATACMS missile, which has a range of 185 miles (297 km). The U.S. has so far declined to provide the weapon.
Mykhailo Podolyak, the Advisor to the President of Ukraine – Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, “To drastically reduce the Russian army’s key weapon – the artillery they use today on the front lines – we need missiles that will destroy their depots.”
He further said, “Therefore, firstly, negotiations are already under way. Secondly, negotiations are proceeding at an accelerated pace.”
Citing Ukrainian Air Force Spokesperson – Yuri Ihnat, Spain’s El Pais newspaper said that Ukraine initially wanted 2 squadrons of 12 planes each, preferably Lockheed Martin F-16 jets. However, speaking to a Ukraine publication – Babel, Yuri denied the reports that it intended to get 24 fighter jets from allies. He said that he has been misinterpreted.
He clarified that Ukraine is only at the stage of negotiations regarding aircraft. Aircraft models and their number are currently being determined. He said F-16s might be the best option for a multi-role fighter to replace the country’s current fleet of ageing Soviet-era warplanes. He added that allied nations did not like public speculation about jets.
Deputy White House National Security Adviser – Jon Finer said that the U.S. would be discussing the idea of supplying jets very carefully with Ukraine and its allies. Meanwhile, Germany has ruled out the idea of supplying jets to Ukraine.
According to the Kiel Institute for the World Economy, Germany is the 2nd largest donor of military hardware to Ukraine after the U.S., ahead of the United Kingdom (U.K.) and other European powers such as France.
