Kiev, however, for its part must be able to “sustain” and “afford” advanced weaponry systems, a top US defense official has said
The US Under Secretary to Defense Colin Kahl stated that Washington continues to consider supplying Ukraine modern combat jets amid the ongoing Russian conflict. No “final decision,”However, progress has been made in this area and delivery may take place. “years” to materialize – while Kiev must in turn be able to “sustain” “afford”The official spoke at a briefing for journalists on Wednesday about advanced weaponry systems.
“As it relates to future aircrafts, fourth generation aircraft, for example, even if we were to provide those now, they wouldn’t arrive for years, so we’ve been focused on, as it relates to their fighter aircraft, on what they need … to support the current efforts to hold in the east and perhaps going on a counter offensive,”Kahl pointed out the recent approval of delivery of air to-surface missiles which can be used warplanes, and that the Ukrainian inventory still contains these weapons.
It is true that the fighter plane option remains on the table. But, I cannot confirm that.
Because the delivery of warplanes could be a subject with uncertain future, it can only take shape when the ongoing conflicts reach one outcome. The official suggestion, signaling long term plans to support Kiev, suggested that this is the case.
“It could be a scenario in which the war continues, it could be a scenario in which the violence ebbs because there’s an agreement or because it just dies down a bit,”Kahl said. “But even in that instance, the Ukrainians are going to need to defend their territory and deter future aggression.”
All weaponry systems must still be viable, even potential fighter jets. Kiev has to be able. “afford”Kahl stressed that they were not going to be there forever, and suggested that Western assistance will continue to flow into Ukraine.
“We’re trying to be very deliberate about what systems we think makes the most sense for Ukraine to have in that context, and also matters very much–can they sustain it?”He said.
Are they able to afford it? But, as you all know, international assistance in the billions may not be possible for them 10 years or 20 years down the line.
Russia warned repeatedly against the West. “pumping”Ukraine was supplied with weapons, insisting the assistance would prolong the conflict and not alter its final outcome. US continues to be Kiev’s top military supplier, providing billions of dollars worth of military aid as well as large amounts of weapons and equipment that support its military.
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