Poland might provide Soviet-era aircraft to Ukraine

The US is exploring a deal in which Poland would send Soviet-era aircraft to Ukraine in return for American F-16 jet fighters, US officials said Saturday, in the latest bid to help Ukraine respond to Russia’s invasion, Report informs via The Wall Street Journal.

The deal would require White House approval and congressional action, US officials said.

The disclosure of a possible deal followed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s impassioned plea to Capitol Hill for assistance in obtaining more lethal military aid, especially Russian-made jet fighters that Ukrainian pilots can fly. Zelensky also supported a proposal to ban US imports of Russian oil, in a video call Saturday morning with members of Congress.

There were more than 200 House and Senate members on the call, said people who participated. Zelensky spoke for about 25 minutes before taking questions.

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell asked Zelensky what one thing he needed most, according to two people on the call. The Ukrainian president replied with the need for jet fighters. He also brought up instituting a no-fly zone over Ukraine, but said, through a translator, “if you can’t do that, at least get me planes,” according to a person on the call.