Western countries should supply fighter jets to Ukraine, Prime Minister of Latvia Krišjānis Kariņš (JV) stated in an interview with the German magazine “Der Spiegel”.
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“I see no reason why the West could not supply fighter planes. If the Ukrainians need fighter jets, they should get them,” emphasized Kariņš.
“Delivery of destroyers is only a matter of time,” said the Prime Minister.
A number of Western countries have a negative attitude towards the supply of fighter jets to Ukraine. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has also announced that Germany will not supply warplanes to Ukraine.
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In an interview with “Der Spiegel”, Kariņš also urged to increase the defense industry capacity of European countries.
“Now [Ukrainai] most needed ammo. German industry has the best prerequisites for strengthening European defense,” said Kariņš.
“Russia is producing 24 hours a day, they have switched to a war economy. We are still producing in peacetime,” the prime minister said.
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“Indeed, we want peace. But the only way to peace is the victory of Ukraine. And that’s why it needs our weapons,” he emphasized.
In the interview, Kariņš also called on NATO countries to increase defense spending.
“Latvia will spend more than 2.5% on defense this year [no iekšzemes kopprodukta]our goal is 3%,” said the Prime Minister, adding that Latvia as a “frontline country” has no other choice.
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“At the NATO level, we must first ensure that all member states reach 2%. And, yes, we should already talk about a new goal, 2.5%, for example,” said Kariņš.
Currently, NATO countries have a defense spending target of 2% of GDP, but the alliance is discussing raising this target.
