Jets to Ukraine

sir – Rishi Sunak has said that it is “not practical” to send British fighter jets to Ukraine (report, January 31) because it would take months to train Ukrainian pilots to fly them.

Surely this is the moment to start training them, so that by the time dithering Western politicians have decided to supply the Ukrainians with the weapons systems they have been crying out for since they were invaded, the pilots are ready to operate them. John Kennedy

Hornchurch, Essex

sir – The months to train pilots to fly any fighter jets supplied to Ukraine are only the start of the process.

The crews who will maintain these jets need training; the supply lines for spares need to be established; the special tools for repairs need to be supplied; the arming and delivery of appropriate missiles need organising.

In short, it is easier to talk about sending modern fighters than to do so. By all means think about the eventual arming of Ukraine with modern Western equipment, but it will never be a short-term solution.

John Ralph

Henley-on-thames, Oxfordshire

sir – I agree with John Pritchard (Letters, February 1) on the need for greater defence spending, which should also include the reinstatement of “British Forces Germany”.

A more active role at the heart of Europe’s security could help to improve our terms of Brexit and gain influence in Washington, given America’s aspiration for a more self-sufficient Europe.

John Barstow

Fittleworth, West Sussex