March 6, 2022
2 mins read

US, Poland explore deal to supply planes to Ukraine

Since Russia invaded 10 days ago, the economic and humanitarian toll of the war has spiraled and officials have reported hundreds of civilians killed….reports Asian Lite News

Washington is working on a deal with Poland to supply Ukraine with Soviet-era warplanes to bolster Kyiv’s defenses against the Russian invasion, according to US media.

Multiple news outlets reported Saturday that US officials told them of the possible deal, in which Poland would send Soviet-era aircraft to Ukraine in return for American F-16 fighter jets.

Since Russia invaded 10 days ago, the economic and humanitarian toll of the war has spiraled and officials have reported hundreds of civilians killed.

Weapons, ammunition and funds have poured into Ukraine from Western allies.

“We are working with the Poles on this issue and consulting with the rest of our NATO allies,” a White House official was quoted as saying in reports by the Wall Street Journal and NBC.

Kyiv has urged the West to boost military assistance to the besieged country, including warplanes, with President Volodymyr Zelensky pleading for Eastern European neighbors to provide Russian-made planes that his pilots are trained to fly.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine has published pictures of the border service facilities in the Kyiv region that were shot by Russian troops on Thursday Feb. 24, 2022 not long after Russian troops launched their anticipated attack on Ukraine.(Photo:IANS/Twitter)

The Ukrainian leader had addressed US lawmakers by video call Saturday, pleading for further funding and an embargo on Russian oil imports.

The Wall Street Journal’s report cited two people on the call, who said Zelensky requested fighter jets after Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell asked the Ukrainian president what he needed most.

“The urgency of the United States and its allies to support freedom for the people of Ukraine has never been greater,” Senator Rob Portman said after he and Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin spoke with Zelensky.

“We must eliminate every obstacle to providing every measure of support to Ukraine to include finding a way for the United States to compensate our Eastern European partners who wish to donate their Soviet-style aircraft to Ukraine. There is no time to lose,” Portman said in a statement.

US legislators promised an additional $10 billion aid package, but the White House has so far ruled out an oil ban, fearing it would ratchet up prices and hurt American consumers already stung by record inflation.

The Journal said US officials mentioned a number of challenging practical questions, including getting the planes to Ukraine, and that the deal would require White House approval and congressional action.

Washington last week authorized $350 million of military equipment for Kyiv — the largest such package in US history.

ALSO READ: US looks into setting up ‘Zelensky govt in exile’

Previous Story

New US envoy arrives in Beijing amid tense relations

Next Story

Russian plane lands in US to remove expelled diplomats

Latest from -Top News

70 Terrorists Killed in Indian Retaliation

The targets were selected based on “credible intelligence input” and focused on “dismantling terrorist infrastructure and disabling terrorists…reports Asian Lite News In a powerful response to the April 22 terror attack in

India Strikes Deep, Flattens JeM Base

Once a key base for terrorist operations, the site has been reduced to rubble, signalling a strong response to ongoing cross-border threats…reports Asian Lite News In a significant counter-terrorism operation on Wednesday,

Retaliation Looms, Pakistan Alerts UN

On Wednesday, India retaliated against Pakistan for the terrorist attack last month that killed 26 people at Pahalgam in Kashmir…reports Asian Lite News Pakistan has signaled its intent to escalate military action

LoC Shelling Turns Deadly; Evacuation Underway

Pakistan shelling started in Uri, Kupwara sectors in the Valley and Poonch and Rajouri in Jammu division….reports Asian Lite News Seven civilians lost their lives and 38 others were injured on Wednesday

India Strikes Terror Bases in Pakistan

‘Justice is served’, says Indian Army as Operation Sindoor unfolds In a significant military response to the deadly terror attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 civilian lives, the Indian Army on Wednesday
Go toTop

Don't Miss

PM Modi confident of sustained ties with US

The PM Modi has conveyed his warm greetings to US

President Biden, catch up on reality

The day Xi Jinping believes that there will not be