Zelensky gears up to receive Western jets ‘as soon as possible’

Ukraine: Jake Berry issues World War Three warning

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info

Ukraine expects the West to start supplying its air force with modern fighter jets in the very near future. Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine’s Prime Minister, told Politico that training on how to fly fourth-generation fighters such as F-16s “should be started straight away, or as soon as possible”. He acknowledged it would take up to six months for pilots to learn how to fly them.

Air Force spokesman Yuri Ihnat said F-16s may be the best option for a multi-role fighter to replace the country’s current fleet of warplanes, which are older than modern Ukraine itself.

Currently, Kyiv is using four types of Soviet-era planes for intercept missions and to attack Russian positions.

Mr Ihnat said his pilots were confident they could quickly learn how to operate F-16s.

He told a news briefing: “The pilots are saying it is not a problem to fly the F-16, they could learn it within several weeks.

“To fight with these planes is a very different thing, to use all types of weapons.”

FOLLOW BELOW FOR LIVE UPDATES…

Zelensky urges West to speed up arms deliveries as Russia steps up offensive

Ukraine’s President has urged Western leaders to speed up their deliveries of weapons to his army.

His comments come as Russian forces stepped up their offensive in eastern Ukraine, intensifying their attacks around Bakhmut and Vuhleda.

In a TV address on Sunday, Zelesnky said: “The speed of supply has been and will be one of the key factors in this war.

“Russia hopes to drag out the war, to exhaust our forces. So we have to make time our weapon.

“We must speed up the events, speed up the supply and opening of new necessary weaponry options for Ukraine.”

He added that the situation in the Donbas was “very tough” and that Ukraine’s army was coming under constant attacks.

“The enemy maintains a high intensity of attacks,” he said.

Good morning

Good morning from London. I’m John Varga and I’ll be bringing you all the latest developments on the Ukraine war.

Please feel free to get in touch with me as I work if you have a story or tips to share! Your thoughts are always welcome.

Email: [email protected]

Source: Read Full Article