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Automatically translated version. May contain inaccuracies compared to the original.
UNIAN, consilium.europa.eu, UNIANPoland ready to transfer to Ukraine at least 29 fighter jets F-16, but the previously agreed schedule for their transfer is not currently realized. This was stated in an interview with Espreso by Polish Foreign Minister Radislav Sikorski.
According to him, the issue of delivering Polish F-16 aircraft to Ukraine was discussed about half a year ago, when Andrzej Duda was president of Poland. At that time the sides even agreed on a schedule for the transfers, but subsequently the situation changed.
"We are talking about at least 29 aircraft. This was the subject of my efforts even during Andrzej Duda's presidency, i.e., about half a year ago. There was even a schedule for their transfer, but something changed from the Ukrainian side," Sikorski noted.
The head of the Polish MFA suggests that the situation could have been influenced by Ukraine's proposal of other fighters, in particular Swedish Gripen. At the same time, in his words, Polish F-16 remain available for transfer to Ukraine.
"From our side these aircraft are effectively available for transfer, as far as I know," Sikorski emphasized.
He also noted that talks between the sides are ongoing, and the issue of transferring F-16 to Ukraine remains relevant. According to him, two Ukrainian technical delegations have already visited Poland.
Sikorski added that Warsaw is also interested in deepening cooperation with Ukraine in drones and countering them. At the same time, these processes are taking place separately since they concern different contracts and companies.
"From our side there is every incentive both for the transfer of fighters and for establishing the best possible cooperation in the field of drones and countering drones," the Polish minister said.
The situation with F-16 in Ukraine
Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine can use only half of its F-16. He said that about half of the Ukrainian aircraft have been in Europe for a long time for repair and maintenance.
It was also noted that the return of some aircraft is delayed so much that Ukraine loses precious time when fighters are especially needed to defend airspace.
Kyiv is counting on help from Western partners to relocate part of the maintenance work to Ukraine. This would allow placing aircraft closer to the combat zone and returning them to operation more quickly.
Later, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte stated that his country would assist Ukraine with maintenance, spare parts and ammunition for F-16 fighters. He said this after a phone call with Volodymyr Zelensky.
Jetten also emphasized that together with international partners the Netherlands remains unwavering in its support for Ukraine.
Document: PDF proof of the original version of the news item "Польща готова передати Україні 29 винищувачів F-16: Сікорський пояснив, що зупинило процес". It records the publication content at the moment of the first scan, the preservation date and the source: UNIAN.
