UK to investigate what jets it could send to Ukraine as PM answers plea to ‘give us wings of freedom’

Downing Street describes provision of aircraft as a ‘long-term’ possibility

Rishi Sunak has opened the door to sending fighter jets to Ukraine after Volodymyr Zelensky called for “powerful English planes” to boost his country’s war effort.

During a surprise trip to the UK, the Ukrainian leader said Mr Sunak had conveyed to him his “desire” to provide the aircraft. But Downing Street played down the idea that the planes could be given soon, describing the idea as a “long-term” possibility.

The prime minister said that jets were “part of the conversation”, but added that training pilots takes many years, and that the deployment of some of the UK’s military aircraft is governed by treaties “with multiple other countries”.