G7 summit
Scholz: The fighter jet project is a message to Russia
Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) speaks at a press statement before the conclusion of the G7 summit. photo
© Michael Kappeler/dpa
According to the Chancellor, the project should make it clear to Russia that support for Ukraine will not diminish.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) does not expect modern fighter jets to be delivered to Ukraine in the near future. “What is connected with the training of pilots is a long-term project,” he said on the sidelines of the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan. The USA has not yet finally decided “what will be at the end of the training”.
The project is initially a message to those who attacked Ukraine: Russia should not count on support for Ukraine decreasing as the war goes on, stressed the Chancellor. “The message remains: Russia must withdraw troops.”
US gives green light to fighter jet training
The US gave the go-ahead for training fighter jet pilots during the G7 summit of leading democratic economic powers in Hiroshima. The project is supported by Great Britain, France, Belgium, Denmark and Portugal. Only at a later date will it be decided when and how many aircraft will be delivered and who will make them available. It’s all about American-made F-16 aircraft.
Germany has so far shown no willingness to participate in the training. Scholz emphasized that a lot is already being done for Ukraine. Next to the USA, Germany is the biggest supporter of the country attacked by Russia in terms of financial, humanitarian and military aid.
In concrete terms, Germany is currently delivering what is necessary for the attempt to recapture the areas occupied by Russia. Among other things, Germany has provided Ukraine with tanks and artillery pieces.