Pentagon Press Secretary John F. Kirby has said that the decision about whether to transfer Polish-owned planes to Ukraine is ultimately one for the Polish government.

"We are now in contact with the Polish government following the statement issued today. As we have said, the decision about whether to transfer Polish-owned planes to Ukraine is ultimately one for the Polish government," he said in a statement.

Kirby also added that "the prospect of fighter jets "at the disposal of the Government of the United States of America" departing from a U.S./NATO base in Germany to fly into airspace that is contested with Russia over Ukraine raises serious concerns for the entire NATO alliance."

He said that the United States will continue to consult with Poland and its other NATO allies about this issue and the difficult logistical challenges it presents, but the United States does not believe Poland's proposal is a tenable one.

As reported, on March 8, Poland will transfer all of its MiG-29 fighters to the United States.