Poland and Slovakia agreed to provide Ukraine with fighter jets for the war. A former U.S. ambassador tells NPR the gesture could encourage other allies to do the same.
that his country plans to provide four MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine to support its fight against Russia.
"They are very modern, very capable and many NATO allies fly them right now," Taylor told NPR's Sacha Pfeiffer Friday morning in a conversation on Morning Edition."They'll be a real addition for the Ukrainians."How will Ukraine use the fighter jets?While Ukraine has military forces on the ground to fight, Taylor says the country needs a viable air force to support Ukraine's ground offensive to push Russia out this spring and summer.
MiG-29 fighter jets are a better immediate option for Ukraine because Ukrainian pilots know how to operate MiG-29 jets, according to Taylor. Since Poland is also in Europe, the jets can be deployed immediately to Ukraine.Taylor said Poland's initiative could pressure the U.S. to provide more advanced weapons to Ukraine.
"There are two Ukrainian pilots reportedly in the United States already for some kind of training. Maybe it's simulation, maybe it's an assessment, but the signs are very good that the United States will some time do this."Will Russia and China discuss peace plans next week?
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