70 Jets from 3 NATO Nations to Join Fight for Ukraine

Ukraine has said that three NATO nations – Bulgaria, Poland and Slovakia – will transfer 70 combat aircraft to join their forces against Russia.

The warplanes will be stationed in Polish airfields, the Navy posted on its official Facebook page. "If necessary, they can be stationed on Polish airfields, from which Ukrainian pilots will perform combat missions.”

Bulgaria will transfer 16 MiG-29 fighters and 14 Su-25 attack planes, Poland - 28 MiG-29 planes, and Slovakia - 12 MiG-29 planes. Poland and Slovakia still fly Russian-made planes similar to those used by the Ukrainian air force, meaning the pilots would not need much training if the planes were transferred.

However, on Monday, Bulgarian Prime Minister Kiril Petkov strongly refused to send planes to Ukraine. "We have a small number of aircraft and cannot transfer them to anyone. Their number is absolutely not enough to protect our skies, and the statements that we will provide them at such a time are absurd," Petkov said.

Military Support Pours in for Ukraine as War Against Russia Continues

On Saturday, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz announced he was sending 1,000 anti-tank weapons and 500 Stinger missiles to Ukraine, a reversal of the German post-war policy of barring the transfer of arms to warring parties. He also pledged an immediate $100 billion infusion into the German military.

President Joe Biden also ordered the release of up to $350 million worth of weapons from U.S. stocks to Ukraine on Friday.

European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said that the EU top diplomats agreed to provide Ukraine with lethal weapons amounting to €450 million. He added that the EU will supply military aircraft to Ukraine. A Ukrainian government official told POLITICO that Ukrainian pilots arrived in Poland to start the process of taking control of fighter planes they expect to be donated by European countries.

The potential transfer of older Russian-made planes to be used in combat against Russian forces could be the most significant moment yet in a wave of promised arms transfers over the past 24 hours that includes thousands of anti-armor rockets, machine guns, artillery and other equipment.

The development comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy signed an application seeking membership of the EU for his war-torn country.

Finland has also decided to send arms assistance to Ukraine. An official defense ministry statement said the country will deliver 2,500 assault rifles, 150,000 cartridges for the attack rifles, 1,500 single-shot anti-tank weapons and 70,000 combat ration packages to Ukraine as material aid. It will also provide bulletproof vests, composite helmets and emergency medical service (EMS) units. The Government also decided to authorize the re-transfer of artillery from Estonia to Ukraine.

Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced Melbourne has committed $50 million to fund lethal weapons for Ukraine. "We are talking missiles, ammunition, we are talking supporting them in their defense of their own homeland in Ukraine,” Morrison said.

Poland, Estonia and Latvia were some of the first to act, sending ammunition, Javelin anti-armor weapons, fuel and medical supplies to the Ukraine border for hand-off to Ukrainian forces.

Sweden is also readying a large arms and aid package, announcing the upcoming delivery of 135,000 field rations, 5,000 helmets, body armor and 5,000 anti-tank weapons.

Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly is heading to Poland Tuesday to coordinate the shipment of 100 Carl Gustaf anti-armor rocket launchers, along with 2,000 munitions and other aid.

Croatia has pledged to send weapons worth $18.4 million to Ukraine. It will also provide health care to refugees from the country, and the necessary medical assistance to the wounded.

Greece has sent two C-130 aircraft carrying “defense material” to Poland for Ukraine.