Title: Ukraine to Receive First Batch of U.S.-Made F-16 Jets as Russia Warns of Escalation
Subtitle: Denmark and the Netherlands announce donation of F-16s to Ukraine, sparking concerns from Russia
Date: August 21, 2023
Copenhagen – In a move that has raised tensions in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Denmark and the Netherlands have announced their decision to donate F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. The first delivery of these U.S.-made jets is expected to take place around the New Year.
Washington has approved the delivery of the initial six F-16s, with Denmark and the Netherlands collectively providing a total of 19 and 42 jets respectively. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has hailed this decision as a “breakthrough agreement” that will aid in deterring air attacks on Ukrainian troops.
However, Russia has condemned the move, stating that it will only escalate the conflict. Russian ambassador Vladimir Barbin criticized Denmark’s decision, accusing the country of seeking to leave Ukraine with no option but to continue the military confrontation.
“The fact that Denmark has now decided to donate 19 F-16 aircraft to Ukraine leads to an escalation of the conflict,” Barbin said in a statement.
Denmark’s Defence Minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen, on the other hand, clarified that Ukraine may use the donated F-16s only within its own territory. “We donate weapons under the condition that they are used to drive the enemy out of Ukraine’s territory. And no further than that,” he emphasized.
Kyiv sees the F-16s as vital in its efforts to push Russian forces out of its territory. Ukrainian air force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat emphasized the importance of having superiority in the air to achieve success on the ground.
While Ukraine has already started training its pilots to operate the fighter jets, Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov stated that it will take at least six months, possibly longer, to train engineers and mechanics.
The decision by Denmark and the Netherlands comes amid ongoing tensions and clashes between Ukrainian and Russian troops. The conflict, which began in early June, has seen Ukraine launching a counteroffensive to regain control of its territories.
As Ukraine eagerly awaits the arrival of the F-16s, Russia’s warnings and concerns continue to add to the already tense situation in the region. The dynamics between the two countries remain at the forefront of international attention, and the delivery of these jets could have significant implications for the ongoing conflict.
Reporting by Jacob Gronholt-Pedersen and Pavel Polityuk; Editing by Angus MacSwan and Philippa Fletcher
Note: This article is in compliance with the Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.