Pentagon rejects Polish offer of fighter jets for Ukraine

The Independent's Morning Headlines email [View online]( March 09, 2022 [Morning Headlines]( 1 / [Pentagon rejects Poland's surprise offer of MiG-29 fighter jets for use by Ukraine]( The Pentagon has rejected an offer from Poland to give the US its MiG 29 fighter jets for use by Ukraine in its fight against Russian troops. In what would have been a significant escalation, Poland offered to deliver 28 jets to the US Ramstein airbase in Germany "immediately and free of charge". The Pentagon said over night that such a move would "raise serious concerns for the entire Nato alliance" as it would mean Nato aircraft would go into combat with Russian forces. "We will continue to consult with Poland and our other Nato allies about this issue and the difficult logistical challenges it presents, but we do not believe Poland's proposal is a tenable one," their statement said. The decision will be a heavy blow to Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky who gave an impassioned address to the UK House of Commons yesterday. He echoed Churchill in his speech, vowing to fight Russian forces "in the forests, in the fields, on the shores and on the streets." 2 / [Staff at British embassy in Ukraine not offered refuge in UK, say diplomats]( Exclusive: Ministers accused of creating 'Afghanistan part two' after failure to evacuate embassy staff 3 / [Zelensky: 'We will fight until the end, at sea, in the air... whatever the cost']( Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky spoke to the House of Commons yesterday and praised Britain's decision to phase out Russian oil by the end of the year. 4 / [UK to ban Russian oil imports by the end of the year]( In sychronised announcements, western nations announce plans to cut back on Russian energy. 5 / [John Bercow suspended by Labour after report brands him 'serial bully']( Former Commons speaker will face an internal Labour investigation The Big Question What’s the meaning behind the Russian symbol ‘Z’? The letter “Z” has emerged as a prominent propaganda symbol in Russia’s attack on Ukraine, drawing comparisons to the swastika insignia worn by Nazi soldiers in the Second World War. At the start of Vladimir Putin’s invasion, the letter began to be seen painted on the rear of Russian tanks and other heavy vehicles and is now being worn openly by supporters of the assault like Russian gymnast Ivan Kuliak, who provoked an outcry by wearing it proudly on his leotard at the Apparatus World Cup in Qatar. But why was it chosen and what precisely does it signify? [Read the full story >]( Watch /[Brave Ukrainian protesters shout ‘go home’ at armed Russian soldiers]( NUMBER OF THE DAY £1,000 Incomes are set to fall by 4 per cent in the financial year ahead – equivalent to an average of £1,000 per household – as the war in Ukraine adds to the existing cost-of-living crisis across the UK, [according to the Resolution Foundation](, a leading think tank. QUOTE OF THE DAY "We will not give up and we will not lose. We will fight until the end." – [In a video address to both Houses of Parliament](, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has compared his country’s fight against Russian invaders to Britain’s defence against Nazi attack. [Subscription offer]( Other stories you might like [How to sign up to The Independent’s Climate Warrior newsletter]( [Nigel Farage's anti net zero campaign rally at Bolton Wanderers stadium called off]( [Prince Andrew pays Virginia Giuffre to settle sexual assault case]( Articles available exclusively to subscribers Sean O'Grady, The Independent: [Crunch time is coming for Boris Johnson and the cost-of-living crisis]( If you can spare a minute we’d love your [feedback]( on our newsletters. [The Independent]( Join the conversation or follow us [Facebook]( [Twitter]( Please do not reply directly to this email You are currently registered to receive The Independent's Morning Headlines newsletter. Add us to your safe list of senders. If you do not want to receive The Independent's Morning Headlines newsletter, please [unsubscribe](list_name=IND_Headlines_Masterlist_CDP). If you no longer wish to receive any newsletters or promotional emails from The Independent, you can unsubscribe [here](. This e-mail was sent by Independent Digital News and Media Ltd, 2 Derry Street, London W8 5HF. Registered in England and Wales with company number 07320345. Read our [privacy notice]( and [cookie policy](.