It is with insistence that kyiv renews its request for Western fighter planes after Madrid’s firm refusal to supply them. During an exchange with his Spanish counterpart, Margarita Robles, the Ukrainian Defense Minister, Oleksiï Reznikov, believes that these devices are “part of anti-aircraft defense.”
This argument is based on the statements of Margarita Robles who, in March, stated that ground-air systems are “the number one priority” in the fight against Russian forces.
The Spanish minister did not respond to this argument, limiting herself to repeating that Madrid intends to continue sending “all kinds of material” and that its support for Kiev is “total and absolute as long as it is necessary”, but that it must be done “with discretion”. . “.
“We will not send planes”
Ukraine’s insistence is based on the positions expressed by the President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, during his visit to Ukraine in March. He mentioned the possibility of sending air aid to Ukraine. Margarita Robles reacted quickly, recalling that “Spain’s position has always been very clear: we will not send combat planes.”
Spain uses Eurofighter and F-18 fighters, but not F-16. It is part of the Scaf program to replace its fleet from 2040 with the NGF.
During her exchange with Oleksiï Reznikov, Margarita Robles, for her part, recalled that arms deliveries to Ukraine are organized “in coordination with our allies.” She confirmed the shipment of the six Leopard 2A4 tanks “in the next few days” by sea. This convoy, which also includes 20 armored personnel carriers, will arrive in Ukraine “before the end of the month.” Four other Spanish Leopard 2A4s are being repaired to be dispatched “as soon as possible”.
Source: BFM TV
