THE United States (US) is working on a deal with Poland to supply Ukraine with Soviet-era warplanes to bolster Kyiv’s defences against the Russian invasion, according to US media.

Multiple news outlets reported that officials told them of the possible deal, in which Poland will send Soviet-era aircraft to Ukraine in return for American F-16 fighter jets.

Since Russia invaded Ukraine 10 days ago, the economic and humanitarian toll of the war has spiralled and officials have reported hundreds of civilians killed.

Weapons, ammunition and funds have poured into Ukraine from Western allies.

“We are working with the Poles on this issue and consulting with the rest of our Nato allies,” said a White House official as reported by the Wall Street Journal and NBC.

Ukraine has urged the West to boost military assistance to the besieged country, including warplanes, with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pleading for Eastern European neighbours to provide Russian-made planes that his pilots are trained to fly.

The Ukrainian leader addressed US lawmakers by video call yesterday, pleading for further funding and an embargo on Russian oil imports.

The Wall Street Journal’s report cited two people on the call, who said Zelenskyy requested fighter jets after Senate minority leader Mitch McConnell asked the Ukrainian president what he needed most.

“The urgency of the US and its allies to support freedom for the people of Ukraine has never been greater,” said Senator Rob Portman, after he and Senate majority whip Dick Durbin spoke with Zelenskyy.

“We must eliminate every obstacle to providing every measure of support to Ukraine to include finding a way for the US to compensate its Eastern European partners who wish to donate their Soviet-style aircraft to Ukraine. There is no time to lose.”

US legislators promised an additional US$10 billion (RM41 billion) aid package, but the White House has ruled out an oil ban, fearing it will ratchet up prices and hurt American consumers already stung by record inflation.

The Journal said officials mentioned a number of challenging practical questions, including getting the planes to Ukraine, and that the deal will require White House approval and congressional action.

Washington last week authorised US$350 million of military equipment for Kyiv – the largest such package in US history. – AFP, March 6, 2022.