US gives ‘green light’ for Poland to supply fighter jets to Ukraine but Russia threatens ‘war’ for hosting planes

"In fact, we're talking with our Polish friends right now about what we might be able to do to backfill their needs if in fact they choose to provide these fighter jets to the Ukrainians.

"What can we do? How can we help to make sure that they get something to backfill the planes that they are handing over to the Ukrainians?"

He added that Nato countries and members of the G7 are "working together" to pressure the Kremlin and introduce more sanctions in the coming days.

He noted however that Putin is "doubling down and digging in on this aggression against Ukraine." 

"I think we have to be prepared, unfortunately, tragically, for this to go on for some time," he said.

However, Russia's defence ministry issued a chilling warning to any Nato allies considering helping Ukraine by letting it land planes at their bases.

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Spokesman Igor Konashenkov warned: "We know for sure that Ukrainian combat aircraft have flown to Romania and other neighbouring countries.

"The use of the airfield network of these countries for basing Ukrainian military aviation with the subsequent use of force against Russia's army can be regarded as the involvement of these states in an armed conflict."

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy has urged the West again to impose a no-fly zone over Ukraine after eight Russian missiles destroyed a civilian airport in Vinnytsia.

Zelenskyy said: “We repeat every day: close the sky over Ukraine. Close for all Russian missiles, for Russian combat aircraft, for all their terrorists.

“If you don’t, if you don’t give us at least planes so we can protect ourselves, there’s only one thing to conclude: you want us to be killed very slowly.”

Shocking footage shows the airport completely wrecked from the attack with black smoke coming from it in the distance.

His comments come after the Russian dictator said Western sanctions against his regime are like a "declaration of war".

Putin also hinted at a nuclear strike if Nato forces got involved, saying it would have "colossal and catastrophic consequences not only for Europe but also the whole world”.

It comes as:

• Boris Johnson is to present a six-point plan of action to world leaders on how to deal with Putin
• Ukraine claims it has now killed 11,000 Russian soldiers as yesterday nine of Putin's aircraft were shot down
• Putin issued a direct threat to the UK as he raged at sanctions "akin to a declaration of war"
• SAS and US commandos are reportedly training for a rescue mission to save President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
• Visa and Mastercard suspended operations in Russia dealing Putin another major blow
• Cancer-stricken kids are trapped in war-torn Ukraine - as doctors tell them the bombs are just fireworks
• Heartbreaking pictures show the extent of Ukraine's refugee crisis - with 1.5million fleeing for their lives
• British firms helping Putin's henchmen must face the full force of the law, said David Davis MP

He also warned that anyone who attempts to enforce a no fly zone over Ukraine will be considered to have entered the conflict.

"Any movement in this direction will be considered by us as participation in an armed conflict by that country," said Putin.

It comes after nine aircrafts were shot down in a day with Russian pilots pleading they were just "following orders."

Footage showed the detained pilots being with their hands behind their back and some being covered in blood.

Harrowing pictures show civilians running for their lives as Russian forces broke ceasefire for a second time.

The UK's Ministry of Defence confirmed that Putin's forces had promised to let people escape - but once again Russian shelling resumed before refugees could leave.

Previously Russia breached their own ceasefire agreement in Mariupol leaving 200,000 people trapped.

The Russian troops continues advancing towards the capital which remains Putin's main objective.

Russian forces have also been accused of dropping 500kg bombs on civilians in Chernihiv.

Meanwhile, Ukraine claims that Russia has lost 11,000 troops and more than 2,000 army vehicles.