Boris Johnson calls on the West to send Ukrainian tanks and jets to defeat Putin’s invaders

BORIS Johnson told western nations last night “there is no conceivable reason for a delay” in supplying Ukraine with the tanks and jets it needs to beat Putin.

The ex-PM spoke out as the US, Britain and Poland dashed Ukraine’s hopes of getting F-16 fighter jets soon.

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Speaking in Washington, Boris praised the US contribution to date in helping President Zelenskyy “turn the tide of this war”.

But he called on allies for more equipment, saying: “My mission is to show that Ukraine will win – and that there is no conceivable reason to delay further supporting Ukrainians for victory this year.”

“We should not fear an escalation when it comes to providing arms.”

US President Biden said he has no plans to send F-16s – despite a glut of single-seat Fighting Falcons.

Downing Street said it was “not practical” to send RAF Typhoons, while Poland’s deputy defense secretary had not had “official talks” about sending some of its F-16s.

Kyiv shrugged, insisting it was only a matter of time before the allies changed their minds.

Defense Minister of Ukraine Oleksii Reznikov said: “All types of aid passed the no phase. As of today, that means no.

“It happened with HIMARS rocket launchers, it happened with 155mm artillery, with the Bradley infantry fighting vehicles,” he added.

“In the case of the German Leopard tank, it was also a no at first, and now we have a tank coalition.

“That’s why I believe in the future aircraft coalition.”

Speaking in Paris added: “There always has to be a leader first. Because of that, I’m here.”

Reznikov said he discussed aircraft and air defense with his French counterpart

He added: “We have not discussed the exact name of the aircraft.

“We talked about how tactical aviation is also an element of air defense.”

President Macron had previously said that jets are not off the table.

US Air Force Chief General Charles Brown said allies were looking for suitable jets – including French Rafale and Swedish Gripen fighters.

Kyiv insists it needs Western fighters to fire back at Putin’s invaders, along with hundreds of main battle tanks.