Thursday, 10 March 2022 (YJC)_ A Pentagon staffer who assisted in compiling the report, said that it was appropriate to provide Ukraine with surface-to-air missiles.
After repeated opposition from the United States to the establishment of a no-fly zone over Ukraine, the Pentagon also opposed the supply of fighter jets to Kiev.
Defense Department spokesman John Kirby said Thursday morning that Washington did not support the supply of MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine.
Kirby explained during a daily news conference at the Pentagon:
[Lloyd Austin] The US Secretary of Defense told his Polish counterpart that Washington does not support the transfer of fighter jets to Ukraine.
According to the American media, he added that the introduction of MiG fighters to Ukraine carries many risks, adding:
The intelligence assessment showed that the transfer of fighter jets to Ukraine could escalate tensions between Russia and NATO.
A Pentagon spokesman said in a statement that the Secretary of Defense had contacted his Ukrainian counterpart.
We do not believe that [providing] more aircraft [to Ukraine] is the most effective response. We take the information community assessment seriously and look for alternatives.
Kirby continued:
Cooperation with other allies that may be able to assist Ukraine's air defense systems, such as surface-to-air missiles, rifles and anti-tank systems, is an alternative.
Reacting to allegations by Russian officials that evidence of dangerous pathogens had been found in Ukrainian research facilities, he claimed:
We do not produce biological weapons in Ukraine, and this is just ridiculous and absurd Russian propaganda.
A Pentagon spokesman said in a statement:
Of the more than 710 missiles fired by Russia at Ukraine, almost all were aimed at sites in the eastern part of the country.
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