Foreign News

Ukraine war: Zelensky Takes Fighter Jet Bid To EU Leaders

Written by Nachaida Yuguda
President Zelensky spoke of Ukraine's "European way of life" throughout his speech
Image caption,President Zelensky spoke of Ukraine’s “European way of life” throughout his speech

Ukraine leader has called on EU leaders to provide fighter jets and arms for the war against Russia, on his second trip abroad since the war.

“We have to enhance the dynamics of our co-operation, we have to do it faster than the aggressor,” said Volodymyr Zelensky.

He was earlier given a standing ovation at the European Parliament in Brussels.

Several EU leaders have already stressed that a decision on warplanes would be a collective move.

Some are keen to avoid having the debate being played out in public, while there is also concern about escalation and playing into Russian narratives.

The Kremlin warned on Thursday that the line between direct and indirect Western involvement in the conflict was disappearing.

Mr Zelensky said that certain agreements had been made that were positive but not yet public, and presidential office adviser Mykhaylo Podolyak later told Ukrainian TV that long-range missiles and attack aircraft would be supplied this year, although it was up to negotiations.

The UK said no decision on providing jets in the long term had yet been made but it would provide training for Ukrainian pilots it already had.

BBC