Poland warns that sending fighter jets to kyiv “is not an easy decision”

Ukraine’s close ally Poland has warned that sending fighter jets to Ukraine “is not an easy decision” after Rishi Sunak evaded Volodymyr Zelensky’s appeal.

Polish President Andrzej Duda warned that there were “serious problems” with the donation of planes for deployment in kyiv to resist the Russian invasion.

In an interview with the BBC, Duda said that Poland did not have enough F16s to spare, noting that they needed maintenance teams and technical support on the ground.

The comments came after President Zelensky visited London, Paris and Brussels urging allies to supply planes.

As Vladimir Putin gathers forces for what is expected to be a spring offensive, Zelensky called for ‘wings for freedom’, warning that without more air power there was a serious risk of the conflict becoming ‘stalemate’.

Mr Sunak announced during Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit last week (pictured) that Ukrainian pilots will begin training on UK Typhoons and F-35s.

In an interview with the BBC, Mr Duda said that Poland did not have enough F16s (file image) to spare, noting that they need maintenance teams and technical support on the ground.

Sunak announced during Zelensky’s visit that Ukrainian pilots will begin training on UK Typhoons and F-35s.

The prime minister insisted that “nothing is off the table” about whether planes will be offered.

Boris Johnson was one of those calling on Britain to hand over planes and more tanks to help thwart Russian aggression.

However, Sunak played down the possibility that the jets could be used anytime soon, arguing that it would take years for pilots and ground crews to be ready to operate them.

Experts have also questioned whether the UK aircraft would be the best option for Ukraine, suggesting that the Swedish Grippen or the F16 are more realistic.

Speaking through an interpreter on the BBC’s Sunday with Laura Kuenssberg programme, Duda said NATO allies would have to make a “joint decision” on the supply of planes. Although Ukraine is receiving strong support from the military alliance, it is not a full member.

He stressed that “it’s not just about the planes” as “you also need maintenance and technical expertise, technical service.”

“So it’s not enough just to send a few planes, and the problem we are facing, at least in Poland, is this: we have those planes, but they are less than 50. In fact, this is the only stock of jets we have. .

‘This poses a serious problem if we donate even a small part of them anywhere. Because I do not hesitate to say that we do not have enough aircraft of this type. We would need many more of them.

He added: ‘Today’s decision to donate any type of jet, any F16, to be donated outside of Poland is a very serious decision. And it is not easy for us to accept.

During his visit last week, Zelensky presented House of Commons Speaker Lindsay Hoyle with a pilot’s helmet calling for “wings for freedom.”