US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that NATO member Poland was given a “green light” by the United States to send fighter aircraft as part of its military aid to support Ukraine’s defense against Russia’s invasion. rice field.
“It will be a green light,” Blinken said in an interview with CBS News.Face the nationWhen the Polish government was asked if it could send fighters to Ukraine as a member of NATO.
“In fact, we are currently discussing with Polish friends what they can do to backfill their needs if they choose to offer these fighters to Ukrainians. What can we do? How can we help ensure that they get something to backfill the plane they are handing over to the Ukrainians? ”Brinken was added.
UN Ambassador Linda Thomas Greenfield also reiterated Blinken’s remarks. interview About ABC’s “this week”.
“We have been in close discussion with the Polish government and other NATO allies on this issue. We are never opposed to the Polish government offering these jets to Ukraine. You point out. As we did, we are looking for ways to backfill them, “said Thomas Greenfield.
When asked if US fighters could be offered to Poland and other NATO countries, Thomas Greenfield said authorities were still discussing the issue with the Poles.
Ukraine’s ambassador to the United States, Oksana Marcarova, told Face the Nation that she wants Ukraine to receive fighters from Poland “as soon as possible.”
“We are working with Americans, especially friends and allies, to provide a stable supply of all ammunition and anti-aircraft, anti-aircraft and planes so that we can effectively protect our country.” She said.
Also on Sunday, Brinken said at a press conference with Moldova’s President Maia Sandu that Washington was discussing with Warsaw a proposed tripartite agreement that would allow Ukraine to obtain military aircraft from the country. Stated.
Under the proposed agreement, Poland will provide Ukraine with the Mikoyan MiG-29 fighter. This has been abolished since the early 2000s in return for the United States to replenish American-made F-16s on hangers.
The Polish Air Force is steadily abolishing the MiG-29 and buying an F-16 instead to modernize its arsenal and reduce its reliance on Russian equipment.
“We are currently actively considering the issues of planes that Poland may offer to Ukraine and how can we backfill if Poland decides to supply those planes? We are looking at what we can do, “Blinken said. “I can’t speak to the timeline, but I can say we’re looking at it very aggressively.”
Blinken added that Washington has provided security assistance to Kyiv for more than $ 1 billion over the past year and continues to work with Ukrainian authorities to “get an up-to-date assessment of their needs.” ..
Discussions take place as Western officials are under pressure to strengthen Ukrainian weapons and ammunition to defend themselves in a Russian attack.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had previously said he needed “ammunition, not vehicles” after the United States offered him asylum after Russian troops invaded the country.
In a zoom call with U.S. lawmakers on Saturday, Zelensky reiterated the need for military aircraft in Ukraine and specifically called for Russian-made planes, according to Senate leader Chuck Schumer (DN.Y.). rice field.
“President Zelensky urged Eastern European countries to provide Russian-made planes to Ukraine,” Schumer said in a statement. “These planes are in great need, and I will do everything I can to help the administration facilitate their transfers.”
Bill Pann contributed to this report.
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Katabella Roberts is a reporter currently based in Turkey. She focuses primarily on the United States and covers the news and business of The Epoch Times.