Zelensky’s European trip begged for fighter jets, Scholz and Macron dare not answer – WSJ

China News Service, February 11th. From London to Paris to Brussels, the talks between Ukrainian President Zelenskiy and leaders of various countries have almost only one major topic: Ukraine requires the West to provide advanced fighter jets.

British Prime Minister Sunak took advantage of the opportunity to “paint a big cake” for Zelensky, saying that “nothing is impossible”, but German Chancellor Scholz and French President Macron obviously did not want to take this talk.

“nothing is impossible”

Following his unexpected visit to the United States in December 2022, Zelensky recently embarked on a lightning trip to Europe-including meetings with leaders of Britain, France, Germany and other countries on the same day, and delivering speeches in the European Parliament.

This is considered a sign of his deliberate cultivation of Western public opinion.

On the 8th, Zelensky took the lead in visiting the UK. He held meetings with British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and King Charles III, Zelensky’s second trip abroad since the Ukraine crisis erupted.

Speaking to the British Parliament in London, the Ukrainian leader praised Britain’s support and reiterated his plea for the fighter jets, which he called “wings of freedom”.

Zelensky presented Lindsay Hoyle, Speaker of the House of Commons, with a Ukrainian pilot’s helmet with the words “We have freedom, please give us wings to protect it”.

“I appeal to you and the world with simple but most important words – Fighters of Ukraine, Wings of Freedom.”

Sunak told a joint news conference with Zelensky later in the day that “nothing is impossible” when it comes to supplying Ukraine with jets to counter Russia.

“The first step in being able to deliver advanced aircraft is to have soldiers or pilots who can use them, and that’s a process that will take some time, and we’ve started that process today,” Sunak said.

Britain has announced plans to expand a program to train the Ukrainian military to ensure its pilots can fly advanced jets that meet the standards of the NATO military alliance.

But Russia’s embassy in Britain warned London against sending fighter jets to Ukraine, saying such a move would have repercussions for the entire world.

“Not talking about fighter jets”

After leaving the UK, Zelensky came to Paris non-stop and had dinner with French President Macron and German Chancellor Scholz on the evening of the 8th.

Zelensky told the leaders of Germany and France, “The sooner the Ukrainian air force gets Western fighter jets, the stronger the Ukrainian tank force … the more we can win back a reliable peace for Europe.”

But the French and German leaders avoided talking about the fighter jets in their speeches to the media ahead of a dinner at the French presidential palace. After the dinner, the officials of the three countries did not disclose any content of the conversation.

French President Macron also said on the 9th that when he was in Paris, he did not discuss the issue of fighter jets with Zelensky. He believes it depends on what EU countries can deliver in the short term. But Macron promised that “Paris will continue its efforts to supply Kiev with arms.”

German Chancellor Scholz, who also participated in the meeting in Paris, also promised that Germany will always provide assistance to Ukraine whenever necessary. However, the two red lines drawn by Scholz for aiding Ukraine – not providing fighter jets and not sending ground troops – should remain unchanged.

Russian President’s Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov expressed opposition to the further participation of the United Kingdom, Germany and France. He said that the line between direct and indirect participation is disappearing little by little. The Russian side regrets this very much.

“Let’s see what else we can give”

On the 9th, Zelensky rushed to Brussels again to deliver a speech at the European Parliament.

In his speech, he portrayed Ukraine as a country that was “fighting to defend Europe’s eastern borders” and urged the EU to admit it as soon as possible.

He thanked many European countries for their unreserved support to Ukraine in recent months, and continued his previous posture in London and Paris, calling on European countries to provide advanced fighter jets and long-range weapons.

In subsequent talks with leaders of EU member states, Zelensky said Ukraine needed to “acquire artillery, ammunition, advanced tanks and fighter jets, long-range artillery much faster”.

Estonian Prime Minister Karas, who was present at the meeting, responded that it is very important for Europe to speed up military aid. All member states have seen what they can give in their warehouses, “but we should do more.”

However, Hungarian Prime Minister Orbán did not applaud like others when he posed for a photo with world leaders, including Zelensky.

He also said on social media that Hungary will provide humanitarian aid to Ukraine. It is worth noting that Orban’s post only emphasized the ceasefire, but did not mention Ukraine’s victory, “Hungary belongs to the peace camp.”

Since the beginning of this year, Western countries have significantly increased their military aid to Ukraine, and have given the green light to provide main battle tanks and long-range weapons. However, on the issue of aiding advanced fighter jets, countries have not let go.

Source of this article: China News Network, original title: “Zelensky’s European trip begged for fighter jets Scholz and Macron dare not answer”

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