Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, recently made a surprise trip to the UK in an attempt to obtain more advanced weapons for the war against Russia. Now, Russia has responded.
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Zelenskyy asks for British fighter jets
In a speech before the British Parliament, Zelenskyy called for modern fighter jets from the UK to help ensure his country’s victory in the war against Russia. Zelenskyy gave the speaker of the House of Commons a helmet from the Ukrainian air force inscribed by a pilot with the words:
We have freedom. Give us wings to protect it.
While the UK has been hesitant to provide British fighter jets to Ukraine, it seems to have changed its mind.
The government announced on Wednesday 8 February that it was 'actively investigating' sending Western jets to the country and was 'discussing the matter with our partners'. In the coming weeks, the UK said it would start training Ukrainian pilots on 'NATO-standard fighter jets' there.
Read more:
⋙ Vladimir Putin ally warns of devastating retaliation against West for supporting Ukraine
⚡️Russia threatens 'consequences' if UK gives jets to Ukraine.
— The Kyiv Independent (@KyivIndependent) February 8, 2023
If the U.K. gives Ukraine fighter jets, there will be consequences for Europe and the entire world, the Russian embassy threatened on Feb. 8.
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⋙ Russian state TV commentator threatens UK with nuclear strike once again
⋙ Former Vladimir Putin adviser threatens the UK with a nuclear strike on live radio
Russia responds with a warning
The Russian embassy has warned against the decision. In a statement carried by Russian news agencies, it said that providing fighter jets to Ukraine would be ‘on London's conscience’ because of the 'bloodshed, next round of escalation, and subsequent military and political ramifications for the European continent and the entire globe'.
It added:
Russia will find a response to any unfriendly steps taken by the British side.
Sources used:
- Daily Express: 'Putin's terrifying threat to UK as he warns of consequences for 'entire world' over jets'
- The Defense Post: 'Russia Vows ‘Response’ if UK Sends Planes to Ukraine'
