Denmark Donates F-16 Fighter Jets to Ukraine in ‘Breakthrough’ Moment
President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine expressed his gratitude to Denmark on Monday for its generous support in a historic move. Denmark has become one of the first nations to pledge F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, marking a significant breakthrough for Ukraine’s longstanding quest to acquire these aircraft.
Over the weekend, the Netherlands and Denmark announced that they would be donating dozens of F-16s to Ukraine. President Zelensky described this donation as a critical development in the country’s ongoing efforts to enhance its capabilities in the war against Russia.
During his address to the Danish Parliament in Copenhagen, President Zelensky commended the solidarity between nations in defending the right to life. He stated, “When you defend people’s right to life, you are joined by others who value life. And this makes you together invincible! I thank you, Denmark, for helping Ukraine to become invincible!”
Securing American-made F-16s has been a top priority for President Zelensky’s government, as it seeks to gain an advantage over Russia’s air force and bolster its own air defenses. Although Ukrainian officials recently acknowledged that NATO countries would not be able to donate the planes until next year, President Biden has expressed his support for training Ukrainian pilots on F-16s.
President Zelensky acknowledged the lengthy process that has taken place to acquire the jets, adding, “There was a time when they said that this would never happen.” He praised Denmark for its leadership, stating, “Solidarity turned into leadership. In particular, your leadership, Denmark. And it is leadership that multiplies our collective strength.”
Russia’s ambassador to Denmark, Vladimir Barbin, warned that the Danish decision would escalate the conflict. However, President Zelensky’s trip to Denmark has been met with overwhelming support, with the Defense Ministry announcing its donation of 19 F-16s.
Prior to his visit to Denmark, President Zelensky made a stop in the Netherlands, where he announced that the country would donate 42 jets once Ukrainian pilots and engineers had been trained. The addition of F-16s will significantly enhance Ukraine’s ground-launched air defenses, enabling them to combat Russian missile attacks and potentially challenge Moscow’s aerial superiority.
In addition to the F-16s, Ukraine is also pushing to obtain Swedish Gripen warplanes. President Zelensky’s visit to Sweden over the weekend yielded positive results, as he stated they were “getting closer” to obtaining these aircraft. In the meantime, Ukraine has received Soviet-era jets from Poland and Slovakia.
Denmark’s donation of F-16 fighter jets marks a turning point in Ukraine’s quest for enhanced military capabilities. With the support of NATO allies, Ukraine aims to strengthen its defense against Russian aggression and bolster its position in the ongoing conflict.