American Senator: Sending combat aircraft to Ukraine is essential as Russia intensifys its attacks

What we heard directly from the Ukrainians is that they love them very much. They want the ability to have better control over the heavens so they can give them a chance to fight”, said Poortman, a Republican from Ohio, for CNN.

The Pentagon said last week that the US was against a Polish plan for sending combat aircraft to Ukraine via the US and a German air base “at this time”. CNN reported earlier that NATO members have voiced concerns that providing fighter aircraft to Ukraine can be perceived by Russia as direct involvement of the war alliance. National security adviser Jake Sullivan told CNN on Sunday that the US is focused on securing other anti-aircraft systems that can help Ukrainians.

Poortman, who is in Poland, said he is not sure why the US is reluctant to send fighter planes after the US has already sent other military equipment, including Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, to Ukraine, and added that “aplanes are also essential”.

So, while these (attacks) escalate, what Ukrainian people are looking for is just the ability to protect themselves. Give them the opportunity to try to stop some of this Russian supremacy in terms of air power being able to save lives and hope to end up with a peaceful solution to this”.