EU official says Borrell's remarks on training Ukrainian pilots refer to Poland's wishes

By Selen Temizer

BRUSSELS (AA) - EU foreign police chief Josep Borrell referred to Poland's wishes by saying: "Ukrainian pilots have begun training on F-16 jets," a European Commission spokesperson said Friday.

In a daily news briefing in Brussels, Nabila Massrali cleared Borrell's words that were made Tuesday on training Ukrainian pilots which was later denied by Poland.

In response to a question by an Anadolu reporter, Massrali said Borrell's statement that the trainings have begun is related to Poland's long-known willingness to do so.

"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," Borrell told reporters in Brussels before chairing a foreign ministers meeting of EU member states.

Hours later, Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Blaszczak said Warsaw is ready to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16s but the training has not begun.

Some Western countries like the UK, Netherlands, France and Belgium have already said they are prepared to train Ukrainian pilots fighting in the nearly 15-month war against Russia.

NATO allies are expected to take up the matter at a two-day summit in Lithuania set for July.