The head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Dmitry Kuleba, stated in an interview with the German newspaper Bild am Sonntag that Ukraine does not anticipate the arrival of fighter jets in the near future. He emphasized that acquiring advanced military aircraft involves a set of highly demanding logistical and technical challenges that cannot be resolved quickly. The message underscored that while the prospect of fighter jet deliveries is a topic of ongoing international discussion, practical realities on the ground mean any such step would require careful, well-planned preparation that cannot be rushed.
In the same remarks, Kuleba also highlighted the importance of early and proactive preparation for Ukrainian pilots. He argued that training should begin ahead of time to avoid extended delays once decision-making and supply channels are in place. By preparing pilots in advance, Ukraine aims to minimize the time between a potential decision to supply fighters and the point at which those pilots would be ready to operate them effectively in combat scenarios. This approach reflects a broader strategy of readiness that Kyiv has repeatedly emphasized in its communications with partners and allies.
The Ukrainian foreign minister has recently been critical of certain humanitarian demonstrations in Europe, including a protest in Berlin on February 25. He contended that ordinary Ukrainians have a deeper and more urgent desire for peace than even the most vocal participants at prominent demonstrations, such as those near the Brandenburg Gate. This line of commentary fits into a wider pattern of messaging that seeks to balance calls for peaceful resolution with the urgent need for security guarantees and support for Ukraine’s defense needs.
Earlier, German political discourse featured a petition known as the “manifesto for peace,” which was associated with prominent figures, including a high-profile left-wing politician. The petition called for a halt to arms supplies to Kyiv and urged renewed negotiations. On the anniversary of the petition, a large gathering in Berlin drew attention to the ongoing debate over how best to resolve the conflict and what role arms support should play in any negotiated settlement. The event illustrated how public sentiment in European capitals can influence political calculations and the messaging that priorities defense and diplomacy in tandem rather than as competing tracks.
Across these developments, Ukraine’s leadership has consistently framed external military support as a practical necessity under a framework of international law and alliance commitments, while also signaling a preference for peaceful, negotiated outcomes where possible. The conversations about jets, training timelines, and public demonstrations reflect a broader reality: strategic planning in times of war requires steady preparation, clear communication with partners, and an ability to translate political promises into concrete capabilities on the ground. For observers in North America, these dynamics illuminate how allied countries weigh the trade-offs between rapid military assistance and the technical, logistical realities that shape when, how, and to what extent such assistance can be delivered and used effectively. The emphasis remains on alignment with international norms, careful timing, and a commitment to sustaining Ukraine’s defense while pursuing diplomatic avenues that might lead to lasting peace.