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The Ukrainian air force has today asked its Western allies to consider donating 24 fighter jets to its cause – in what would be the first military package of its kind.

Last week, numerous nations confirmed donations of battle tanks, including the US and Germany after several days of back and forth.

Now, spokesman Yurii Ihnat has said Ukraine is aiming to secure two fighter squadrons of 12 combat aircraft each.

Mr Ihnat added in an interview with El Pais that it hopes to be given American F-16s, but are also considering French Rafale and Swedish Gripen.

The US has so far refused to supply F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, or allow their transfer by third-party countries.

However, a senior defence source in the RAF told the Telegraph “never say never” when pressed on provisions – but insisted jets are “not the priority now”.

It is understood that a total of 321 heavy tanks have been promised to Ukraine so far, by a number of Western allies.

Vadym Omelchenko, Ukraine’s ambassador to France, said on Friday: “As of today, numerous countries have officially confirmed their agreement to deliver 321 heavy tanks to Ukraine.

“Delivery terms vary for each case and we need this help as soon as possible.”

Mr Omelchenko did not provide a breakdown of the number of tanks per country.