Poland pushes for fighter jets for Ukraine at Munich Conference
Fighter jet F-16
Poland pushes Western leaders at the Munich Security Conference not only to discuss the possibility of transferring fighter jets to Ukraine but make a decision on this issue.
The Polish ambassador in Berlin, Dariusz Pawłoś, has made it clear that Poland is seeking a joint solution of all allies on the delivery of fighter jets to Ukraine. From Poland's point of view, the Munich Security Conference from February 17 to 19 would be the correct format for making a decision.
"As for the issue of fighter jets, Poland does not want to be alone in this matter. We believe that this decision should be made unanimously by the Western allies," Polish Ambassador to Germany Dariusz Pawłoś said in an interview with RND.
However, the diplomat says it is necessary to use any opportunity for appropriate consultations, which should happen as soon as possible.
"The policy of hesitation and delay, as in the Leopard 2 main battle tank case, is counterproductive. We have a saying: if you give quickly, you give twice," Pavlos said.
"There are only 14 days left until the Munich Security Conference, which will be held from February 17 to 19. We suggested that the heads of state and government who will gather there not only discuss this issue but also make a decision," he continued.
The ambassador also mentioned that it would be appropriate for Polish President Andrzej Duda, French President Emmanuel Macron, and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to meet there in the format of the Weimar Triangle to show that the most critical European supporters of Ukraine should unite their ranks.
"We are also always ready for a bilateral conversation with Germany. Poland has several dozen Soviet-designed fighters, both MIG-21 and SU-22. But, as I said, we want to have a unified approach to this issue with our partners in the EU and NATO," the diplomat said.
The diplomat also stated Poland is a very big supporter of Ukraine.
"And we are fully committed to continuing that support at every possible level. Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki also made this clear in the German media," he said.
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After getting Germany's approval on Leopard tanks supply and the US and UK's decisions to provide Abrams and Challenger tanks, respectively, Ukraine has signaled that it now needs combat aircraft and long-range missiles in addition to Western main battle tanks to push russian invaders from Ukraine's territories.
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson spoke in favor of providing Ukraine with more weapons. During his Washington visit, he was answering questions about the situation with F-16 fighters. He supported providing Ukraine with all the necessary types of weapons.
Later, British Defense Minister Ben Wallace said that sending fighter jets to Ukraine "would not be the right approach," but there is no final decision on this matter yet.
US President Biden told journalists at the briefing that his answer is "no" to providing F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
Ukraine's foreign minister Reznikov, on the other hand, says Ukraine will ultimately receive fighter jets from western partners, but the decision about the kind of jets is yet to be decided.
