Russia-Ukraine War Live: US President says ‘no’ to sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine – The Economic Times
While responding to a reporter on whether he would send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, Biden said “no”.
Interestingly, the US had ramped up military assistance to Ukraine in the form of artillery and tanks.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has sought fighter jets to help sustain his war effort against Russia. Biden has consistently said the planes aren’t on the table, even as he has given aid in other areas.
Last week, Biden announced that he would send 31 M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine, despite top US officials saying previously the heavy-duty vehicles were a poor fit for the country’s military.
Speaking on the White House South Lawn, Biden also said he wasn’t sure whether he would visit Europe next month for the one-year anniversary of the start of the war in Ukraine, reported CNN.
In response to a separate question, Biden said he was planning to visit Poland, but wasn’t sure when.
Earlier, Biden provided Ukraine with a defense package of USD 2.5 billion in new weaponry and munitions for Ukraine, as the country prepares for a new stage in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude for unwavering leadership from the US side.
Taking to Twitter, Zelenskyy wrote, “Thank you @POTUS for providing with another powerful defense support package worth USD 2.5 billion. Stryker IFVs, additional Bradley APCs, and Avenger air defense systems are an important help in our fight against the aggressor. Thank you people for unwavering leadership support!”
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