Germany is extremely reluctant to discuss sending military aircraft to Ukraine. NATO Secretary General Stoltenberg does not categorically rule out such broadcasts. The issue will be debated at the defense ministers' meeting, he says.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg does not fundamentally rule out the delivery of fighter jets to Ukraine. "Support for Ukraine has developed as well as the war itself," Stoltenberg said in Brussels. "Now aircraft are also being discussed, and I expect that this will be addressed at the meeting in Brussels tomorrow," Stoltenberg said, referring to the defense ministers' deliberations starting Tuesday.
A possible delivery of combat aircraft by member states will "take some time," said Stoltenberg. It is currently urgent to deliver the promised weapons, ammunition and fuel to Kiev as soon as possible, he said with a view to the expected Russian offensive on the anniversary of the attack on February 24. "Speed will save lives," emphasized Stoltenberg.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz had warned of "outbidding competition with ever new weapon systems" and the danger of an escalation in the fighter jet issue. Stoltenberg said the alliance would remain "vigilant" to prevent the war from escalating beyond Ukraine.
On Tuesday, the United States will first discuss further military support for Ukraine with the other allies and partner countries in the so-called Ramstein format at NATO headquarters. The defense ministers of the 30 alliance countries will then meet. The Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Resnikov is to take part in both meetings in Brussels.
In addition to Scholz, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock also urges caution in the debate about further arms deliveries. The Greens politician told the Tagesspiegel that these were "difficult decisions". "It's not about toys, it's about heavy war material." Therefore, it is important to "constantly weigh carefully". At the same time, however, "what happens if Ukraine cannot defend itself" must also be considered.
Asked about the discussion about the possible delivery of fighter jets to the country attacked by Russia, Baerbock said: "This is not a debate that we are having." It is important that the decisions made so far are implemented quickly.
