International Desk: Russia has warned that if Britain sends warplanes to Ukraine, it will have extreme military and political consequences for Europe and the rest of the world.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky made a surprise visit to Britain on Wednesday. There, he called on British MPs to supply its air force with advanced jets.
In a statement quoted by Russia’s state news agency, the Russian embassy in London said sending warplanes to Ukraine would have “extreme military and political consequences for the European continent and the entire world.” The Independent provides breaking news.
“Russia will find a way to respond to any hostile action by the British side,” Tas News reported, quoting the embassy.
During a press conference with Zelensky on Wednesday, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said sending warplanes to Ukraine was “part of the conversation” between them. His office confirmed that Sunak asked Defense Secretary Ben Wallace to investigate what jets the UK could potentially give to Ukraine.
Earlier in the day, it was announced that Britain would begin training Ukrainian air force pilots as part of a long-term strategy to secure Kiev’s future. During a press briefing at a military base in Dorset on Wednesday afternoon, Sunak and Zelensky suggested that not only the pilots but also the fighter jets would be trained.
Asked when the Typhoon fighter planes would be delivered to the Royal Air Force, Zelenskiy told reporters, “Not everything depends on Great Britain’s decision.”
