Latvian President Egils Levits emphasized that NATO and the European Union should start by examining how to arm Ukraine with every weapon system it requires, including combat aircraft. He spoke in a wide-ranging interview with Deutsche Welle, noting that the discussion should center on enabling Ukraine to withstand the Russian assault and, ideally, to prevail in the conflict. [Citation: Deutsche Welle]
Levits argued that the alliance must look beyond symbolic support and map out concrete military deliveries that could tilt the balance on the battlefield. He suggested that Kyiv deserves access to a full spectrum of air and ground capabilities, stressing that the goal is not merely to deter aggression but to create the conditions for a successful Ukrainian defense and eventual victory. He also acknowledged Latvia does not operate fighter jets at present, yet pointed out that nations possessing both tanks and air power should weigh the strategic value of providing those assets. The president welcomed the early delivery of Leopard tanks to Ukraine, viewing it as a constructive signal from the international community. [Citation: Deutsche Welle]
In related developments, former Polish President Andrzej Duda announced that Warsaw would transfer four additional MiG-29 fighter jets to Kyiv, reinforcing the ongoing effort to bolster Ukraine’s air defense capabilities. This move is part of a broader pattern of NATO member states reassessing their stockpiles and delivery timelines for advanced combat aircraft in response to the war. [Citation: Polish presidency communications]
Meanwhile, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov confirmed that talks with Western partners about fighter jet support are continuing without interruption. He expressed confidence that aircraft deliveries to Ukraine would proceed in a timely fashion, reflecting a sustained political will among Western allies to maintain air power support for Kyiv. Reznikov underscored that coordination with allied governments remains ongoing and practical steps are being taken to translate discussions into tangible aid. [Citation: Ukrainian Ministry of Defense]