Poland says Ukrainian pilots’ training has not begun

WARSAW

Warsaw is ready to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets but the training has not begun, Polish defense minister said Tuesday.

Mariusz Blaszczak told reporters in Brussels where he attended a EU defense ministers meeting that he proposed that the training should be included in EU training missions.

He said Poland has certain obligations to protect the airspace of the Baltic States as well as its own.

His remarks came hours after EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said Ukrainian pilots had already begun training on the use of US-made jets.

"I am happy that finally, the training of the pilots for the F-16 has started in several countries. It will take time, but the sooner the better," he told reporters in Brussels, adding that the training is taking place in numerous countries, including Poland.