Ukrainian pilots arrive in Poland to pick up donated fighter jets

[LetMyPeopleVote]

Link to tweet

https://www.politico.com/news/2022/02/28/ukrainian-pilots-arrive-in-poland-to-pick-up-donated-fighter-jets-00012560

Ukrainian pilots have arrived in Poland to start the process of taking control of fighter planes they expect to be donated by European countries, a Ukrainian government official told POLITICO.

The potential transfer of older Russian-made planes to be used in combat against Russian forces could be the most significant moment yet in a wave of promised arms transfers over the past 24 hours that includes thousands of anti-armor rockets, machine guns, artillery and other equipment.

It’s not clear just yet what countries are donating the jets, but European Union security chief Josep Borrell pledged over the weekend that the EU would fund the transfer the fighter planes from multiple countries.

Borrell walked that back slightly on Monday, acknowledging that any transfers wouldn’t come from the EU itself, but would instead be donated “bilaterally” by individual EU countries.

[zonemaster]

1. I believe that already got 'shot down' - so to speak

https://www.newsweek.com/eu-ukraine-fighter-jet-promise-falling-apart-russia-advances-slovakia-poland-bulgaria-1683588

It's Newsweek - so take it with a bit a salt.

[lagomorph777]

3. Only Newsweek and Politico (both questionable sources) are saying that.

The reality is a bit more nuanced.

There may be some obfuscation required to reduce risks, and a couple of the smaller countries seem to be chickening out. But I think many jets will reach Ukraine.

There are dozens of stories confirming the deal; only this one partially supports Newsweek's claims:

https://hotair.com/ed-morrissey/2022/03/01/did-europe-renege-on-promised-fighter-jets-to-ukraine-n452091

[qazplm135]

2. Not happening

They decided it would piss off Russia too much and backed down.

[LetMyPeopleVote]

4. NATO countries now have the "green-light" to send fighter jets to Ukraine

Link to tweet

[LetMyPeopleVote]

5. Poland has agreed to deploy *all* of its MiG-29 jets to the U.S. AB at Rammstein,

Link to tweet

Statement of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Poland in connection with the statement by the US Secretary of State on providing airplanes to Ukraine
https://www.gov.pl/web/diplomacy/statement-of-the-minister-of-foreign-affairs-of-the-republic-of-poland-in-connection-with-the-statement-by-the-us-secretary-of-state-on-providing-airplanes-to-ukraine

The authorities of the Republic of Poland, after consultations between the President and the Goverment, are ready to deploy – immediately and free of charge – all their MIG-29 jets to the Ramstein Air Base and place them at the disposal of the Government of the United States of America.

At the same time, Poland requests the United States to provide us with used aircraft with corresponding operational capabilities. Poland is ready to immediately establish the conditions of purchase of the planes.

The Polish Government also requests other NATO Allies – owners of MIG-29 jets – to act in the same vein.