Fighter jet coalition as a message to Russia

Great Britain, France and other European countries are prepared to at least prepare a delivery of fighter jets by training pilots. But they need the green light from the USA for this – which was surprisingly given by US President Joe Biden the day before Selenski’s arrival. And what Chancellor Olaf Scholz (SPD) is facing new challenges. He had previously refused a delivery of fighter jets.

The F-16 Fighting Falcon is considered vastly superior to the fleet of Soviet-era fighter jets operating in Ukraine. While not the most advanced US fighter jet, it does have powerful radar that can detect targets hundreds of miles away.

Who will actually provide F-16 jets in the end and how many of them will make it to Ukraine is open. It is also unclear where the pilot training will take place, how many pilots will be trained. A US government official spoke of a process of “several months” before a coalition of countries involved could stand.

Zelensky said he doesn’t think “we’re going to have all those defenses tomorrow. But still, it’s a great decision.” Scholz does not expect delivery any time soon either. “What is connected with the training of pilots is a long-term project.”

Scholz meets Selenski: “Good to see you”

While Selenski and Biden have arranged to meet on Sunday, Scholz and the Ukrainian President met in Hiroshima on Saturday for a one-on-one meeting. “Good to see you. We meet quite often,” Scholz said in English to Selenski when he entered the room on the 22nd floor of the Grand Prince Hotel.

Selenski was a guest in Berlin just a week ago. “It’s always a pleasure,” the Ukrainian president replied.

While Selenski is enthusiastic, for Scholz the fighter jet turnaround is a similarly difficult issue as the delivery of main battle tanks before. While Germany does not own any F-16 jets, the consequences of supplying other allies to Ukraine will still affect Germany directly.

>> Also read our comment: The US fighter jet decision pushes the responsibility to Europe

The US is concerned that Ukraine could use the jets to attack targets in central Russia. The consequence, so the fear goes, would be an escalation of the conflict and a direct confrontation between the USA and Russia.

Fighter jets for Ukraine: Was Scholz taken by surprise by Biden?

When it comes to arms deliveries, the chancellor is pursuing a probing strategy, in which he is slowly balancing how far the West can go without driving Kremlin boss Vladimir Putin into a short-circuit reaction.

Scholz’ top priority is that all arms deliveries must be coordinated within NATO, first and foremost with the United States. Was he caught unawares by Biden’s turnaround? Scholz does not want to comment on this.

However, a certain skepticism shines through. The USA has not yet finally decided “what will be at the end of the training,” says Scholz. The training of F-16 pilots is first and foremost a message to those who attacked Ukraine, emphasizes the Chancellor: Russia should not count on support for Ukraine decreasing as the war goes on.

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Scholz remains true to his line. Under no circumstances does he want to be the one to push forward with arms shipments. Judging by the weapons Germany is now supplying to Ukraine, the chancellor says remarkably little about it.

In addition to the prospect of delivery of fighter jets, Zelensky’s visit to the G7 summit also offered the opportunity to meet heads of government of important countries that have so far either abstained from United Nations resolutions against Russia’s attack on Ukraine or have barely or not acquiesced in Western sanctions not connected at all. Host Japan had invited the presidents of India, Brazil and Vietnam, among others.

Brazil’s President Lula does not want to meet Selenski

French President Emmanuel Macron said it was a “unique opportunity” to explain Ukraine’s position. “I think it could be a turning point.” In fact, participants in a delegation report that, unlike just a few months ago, most former shaky candidates now see Russia as an aggressor.

However, Selenski’s decision to appear in person at the G7 summit was not well received by everyone. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s delegation described the Ukrainian’s surprise visit as a “trap”. Lula therefore did not want to meet Selenski in person.

Lula had previously advocated the creation of a “peace club” involving China. Zelensky has now made it clear that he has nothing against such initiatives – if the Ukrainian peace plan is the basis for them.

India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on the other hand, received Selenski in a friendly manner. “India and I personally will do everything in our power to find a solution to your difficulties,” Modi said in the public part of the meeting.

Selenski gives speech in Hiroshima

Selenski has made a few trips in the past few months. The G7 summit in Japan is the most significant. And most symbolic.

Hiroshima is a monument to wartime destruction like no other in the world. During the first use of nuclear weapons in history, more than 330,000 people died immediately or later from burns and radiation.

The ruins of a dome are still a reminder of the inferno and a warning to those who, like Russian President Putin, are still threatening Ukraine with nuclear weapons. Selenski wants to give an eagerly awaited speech in front of this impressive backdrop on Sunday.

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