The President of Ukraine, Volodimir Zelenski, has discussed on Thursday with the leaders of the European Union in different meetings by groups of countries the provision of military equipment, including fighter jets, in meetings from which, however, he does not make any concrete announcements.
The meetings have taken place in a reduced format and in turns, so that all European leaders could discuss face to face the military support to Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression, at a time when the international community recognizes that the war is going through a key moment in which the supply of armament to Kiev is becoming more important.
Zelensky informed European partners about the situation on the battlefield and Ukraine’s defense needs, including combat aircraft, armored vehicles, artillery and air defense. The Ukrainian president emphasized that «timely provision of the necessary equipment in the right quantity would help to restore a just peace as soon as possible and protect the interests and values of Europe,» his office said in a statement.
CONCRETE REQUESTS In the case of Spain, the Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, has shared a meeting with Sweden, Poland, Italy, Romania and the Netherlands. Diplomatic sources explain that the Ukrainian leader has put on the table a list of requests to the Member States, although the specific demands for military equipment are processed through the Ministries of Defense.
Other sources point out that, although no precise commitments have been made, the EU-27 understand the urgency of supplying arms and are beginning to put together a coalition to structure the delivery of aircraft, thus following the plan coordinated by the West to send tanks to Kiev. The conversation has been «detailed» and «face to face», asking for military aid according to the possibilities of each member state, according to the sources consulted.
In the case of Sweden, diplomatic sources assure that the option of sending fighter jets is not on the table, while Poland, the country most likely to send fighters, insists that a group commitment is needed first and points out that progress is already being made towards this scenario.
Source: (EUROPA PRESS)
