Ukraine’s armed forces have increased the number of their fighter jets after receiving spare parts and being able to repair damaged vehicles, according to Reuters, citing Pentagon spokesman John Kirby.
He said this, explaining his statement yesterday that Ukraine had received military aircraft.
Ukraine has not lived up to the expectations of its allies and military experts, not only maintaining the combat capability of its air force almost two months after the Russian invasion, but also repairing aircraft and possibly increasing its reserves, according to Reuters.
Yesterday, Pentagon spokesman John Kirby said that Ukraine had received additional aircraft and spare parts, and today clarified that so far no aircraft have been provided to Ukraine.
Kyiv has repeatedly demanded military planes to repel the Russian invasion. “Ukrainians have received, with US coordination and mediation, enough spare parts and additional equipment, so now they have more planes than two or three weeks ago,” Kirby said.
The United States has also announced plans to hand over Russian-made helicopters destined for Afghanistan to Ukraine, according to Reuters.
Meanwhile, a senior US official said today that the country has also begun training Ukrainian military howitzers. According to him, the training takes place outside Ukraine and will last about a week.
“We are talking about a relatively small number of Ukrainians – a little more than 50 people,” said a source who wished to remain anonymous.
Last week, US President Joe Biden announced additional $ 800 million in military aid to Ukraine, including heavy artillery, amid expectations of intensified Russian attacks in eastern Ukraine, according to Reuters.