Germany not party to talks on "fighter jet coalition"

This was reported by the spokesman for the Federal Ministry of Defense, who spoke at a briefing on Wednesday, an Ukrinform correspondent heard.

"For us, the question does not arise and Germany does not participate in the negotiations on the creation of such a coalition. But we welcome all initiatives that will make it easier for Ukraine to defend," spokesman said.

The official explained that Germany does not own the relevant technology, has no aircraft that it could transfer, and has no ability to conduct training on aircraft of this type at home.

At the same time, the spokesman noted that the topic of fighter jets will obviously be one of those on the agenda of talks between the Minister of Defense of Germany, Boris Pistorius, and Defense Secretary of the UK, Ben Wallace, which will be held in Berlin later this day, on Wednesday, May 17.

In general, the spokesman noted, the protection of the Ukrainian airspace is a priority. Germany makes its contribution by transferring effective air defense systems, which play a major role. Also, the representative of the Ministry of Defense added, the experience of their operation by Ukraine’s forces is also useful for improving Germany’s own defense capabilities.

He recalled that Germany provides the second-largest amount of aid to Ukraine, after the U.S.

The spokesman noted that allies and partners together with Ukraine are constantly discussing ways of optimizing defense aid. The principle that reigns in the Ramstein format is that everyone contributes in the way they can do best. This is the strength of this format, emphasized the spokesman.

It should be recalled that the government of Germany approved the allocation of the largest package of military aid to Ukraine in the amount of more than EUR 2.7 billion.