Zelenskyy laments delays in pilot training on US fighter jets French government restricts public life after riots

President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused the West of delays in training Ukrainian pilots on US-made fighter jets. “I think some of our partners are getting carried away here,” he said at a press conference with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in Kiev on Saturday. There are still no firm start dates and no timetable for pilot training, he complained. In May, several European countries announced the formation of a fighter jet coalition for Ukraine. Washington paved the way for this by giving the green light to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets.

Kiev emphasizes the importance of US fighter jets in the fight against the Russian invasion, which has been going on for more than 16 months. The modern aircraft are especially important for securing the airspace and against the constant attacks of drones and missiles. The West has supported Kiev with a range of weapon systems – from artillery, main battle tanks and armored personnel carriers to cruise missiles. However, in support of the air force, Kiev has so far only received former Soviet aircraft from the old stocks of Eastern European countries.

Ukraine wants to retake Crimea

At the same time, Zelenskyy reiterated that he would not negotiate peace with Russia until Ukraine had recaptured all of its territories, including Crimea and the separatist areas in the Donbass. A return to the demarcation line of February 2022, when Russia officially launched its offensive war against Ukraine, is not an option. The country’s NATO membership, which Kiev is striving for, will also not be sacrificed for compromise, as it is important for the country’s future security.

Zelenskyy thanked his Spanish guest for their support in trying to join NATO. Spain is the 21st country in the military alliance to support Ukrainian membership. According to Zelensky, the fact that Sánchez came to Kiev on the first day of Spain’s EU Council presidency was also an important symbolic gesture for integration efforts in Europe.

Meanwhile, Sánchez announced at the press conference that the four remaining Leopard main battle tanks (out of a total of ten promised) would be handed over to Ukraine “soon”. “We will be sending new heavy military equipment, four more Leopard tanks and armored transport vehicles very soon,” Sanchez said. He also announced the deployment of a mobile field hospital. (sda/dpa)