The German government has rejected the proposal of the leader of the opposition Christian Democrat CDU, Friedrich Merz, to send fighter jets to Ukraine.
Government spokesman Steffen Hebestreit reminded on Monday of the existing initiative of certain countries for Ukraine to receive American F-16s, which can go into action this summer.
However, "this is where the mistake should be avoided," Hebestreit said.
He emphasized that the combat planes may look similar from the outside, but that the differences between them are huge, as is the training.
"It doesn't make sense to give different planes to Ukraine, regardless of who would be able to deliver them," Hebestreit said.
Germany has no F-16 in the Bundeswehr fleet.
"The experience of helping Ukraine shows that it doesn't get better when everyone wants to do everything, but it's better when we focus on what each individual country, or group of countries, can do best," he said.
On Monday, in an ARD television show, Merc declared for stronger support for Ukraine to defend against Russian aggression, including sending fighters.
This "has already been decided in many countries of the world, including in Europe. Germany should not be at the back", said the conservative leader.
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