World News | France does not rule out sending warplanes to Ukraine

THE HAGUE (Netherlands), Jan. 31 (AP) President Emmanuel Macron said Monday that France would not rule out sending fighter jets to Ukraine, but put multiple conditions before it could take such an important step.

France sent anti-aircraft systems, rocket launchers, artillery and other military equipment to Ukraine, and promised to send armored reconnaissance vehicles and combat vehicles, but no main battle tanks or heavy weapons.

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Asked at a news conference in The Hague on Monday whether France was considering sending the warplanes, Macron said “nothing is ruled out” as long as certain conditions are met.

Among the conditions: that the provision of such equipment would not lead to escalation of tensions or be used to “reach Russian territory”, and that it would not “degrade the capabilities of the French military”, Macron said.

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He also said Ukraine would have to formally apply for the planes. He noted that he would meet visiting Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov in Paris on Tuesday.

Ukrainian officials have been pressing for heavier weapons from Western allies to repel Russian forces.

On Macron’s side, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said that Ukraine has so far not formally asked the Netherlands to buy F16 fighter jets. He took the cautious stance after the Dutch foreign minister told lawmakers earlier this month that there was “no taboo” to send the warplanes.

“There is no discussion of delivering F-16s to Ukraine. There is no request,” Rutte said on Monday. “There is no taboo, but it will be a very important next step.”

“It is very important that we continue to support Ukraine and that Ukraine expresses their needs to us,” Rutte said.

He welcomed recent announcements by Germany and the United States to send tanks to Ukraine.

“As the Netherlands we will continue to look at what we can do,” Rutte said. “We don’t have Leopard 2 tanks, we lease them. We’ve said that if it helps, we’re ready to buy them and pass them on. Maybe it’s better to use those leased Leopard 2s elsewhere. … Whatever. (Associated Press)

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