London not to send fighter jets to Kiev of this threatens UK: Reports
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A representative of Rishi Sunak's office says that if sending fighter jets to Ukraine would affect London's security, they would not do it.
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British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hold a news conference at a military facility in Lulworth, Dorset, England, Wednesday Feb. 8, 2023 (Peter Nicholls/Pool via AP)
London will not provide Kiev with fighter jets in case this step will affect United Kingdom's security, The Telegraph reported on Thursday, citing 10 Downing Street.
"Of course we would never do anything that would put UK safety at risk," a representative of British Primi Minister Rishi Sunak's office was quoted as saying by the newspaper.
The UK has "significant numbers of Typhoons and F-35s," the official added, but the delivery of these types of aircraft to Ukraine should not be speculated on.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited London on Wednesday and requested allies to supply combat aircraft to his country.
Welcome to the UK, President @ZelenskyyUa.
— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) February 8, 2023
🇬🇧🇺🇦 #SlavaUkraini pic.twitter.com/rMoBTC3ken
Consequently, Russia warned of escalation if the UK delivers warplanes to Ukraine.
"Russia will find a response to any unfriendly steps taken by the British side," the Russian embassy in London warned.
According to the Russian embassy, "London would be liable for the 'bloody harvest' of the following round of escalation as well as any military or political repercussions that would follow for the European continent and the entire world."
Earlier today, Zelensky was expected to take part in the EU summit in Brussels as a last-minute guest where he is anticipated to push his western allies for more advanced weapons, in particular fighter jets and long-range missiles.
It is worth noting that over the past six months, the UK has trained 10,000 Ukrainian troops and intends to train another 20,000 troops this year.
The Foreign Office said earlier that the UK plans to increase the supply of military aid to Ukraine, including longer-range missiles, intended to prepare Kiev for a potential spring offensive and to cooperate with allies to meet Kiev's military needs, the statement said.
Also, Sunak told Zelensky in a phone conversation on January 14 that London would send Ukraine 14 Challenger 2 tanks.
