Russian aggression in Ukraine, US vice president arrives in Poland

Harris' visit to Warsaw, Poland, comes at the time of an unexpected diplomatic dispute over Ukraine's supply of fighter aircraft.

The Polish government came out on March 8th with a plan to transfer to the US base in Germany, its Russian production aircraft, MiG-29, so they are then given to Ukrainian pilots to fight with Russian forces. In exchange, the U.S. would supply Poland with American production planes.

But Poland had not in advance shared this idea with the American president's administration, Joe Biden, before it was public. So the Pentagon immediately dismissed this idea as unstable.

Warrior jets flying from US and NATO bases in an air space disputed with Russia would increase the risk of the war expanding beyond Ukraine.

Polish Prime Minister Matthews Morawicki said on March 9th that his state's support for Ukraine has been protective and that any decision on Kiev's supply to MiG-29 should be made by the US and NATO, and only if all coalition states agree on that.

“polonia is not part of this war. Such a serious decision on sending aircraft should be taken unanimously by all NATO members”, he said.

Harris is expected to continue talks with the Polish side on sending Ukrainian aircraft to Warsaw during her visit, a senior administration official has said, who has spoken to the AP.

White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki said on March 9th that Vice President Harris' visit was not connected to the aircraft issue, and that this issue is “handled through military channels”.

Harris is expected to meet with Polish President André Sebastian Duda on March 10th and Prime Minister Matthews Morawiecki, as well as Ukrainian officials who have travelled to Poland.

On 11 March, it will stay in Bucharest, where it will meet with Romanian President Klaus Iohannis.

During this two-day visit, Vice President Harris is expected to stress US commitment to the NATO alliance and the need to continue humanitarian and military support for Ukraine.