2024-08-04 22:49:01
(ANSA) – KIEV, 04 AUG – Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine has received the first batch of F-16s from NATO allies. The Ukrainian leader, however, spoke of an “insufficient” number of fighters. We have often heard the word impossible. Now it is reality. Reality in our skies. F-16s in Ukraine. We made it possible,” Zelensky said at a ceremony at an undisclosed location, adding, however, that “the number of F-16s that we have in Ukraine, the number of pilots that have already been trained, is not enough.” Journalists on the scene saw at least two F-16s flying over the site during the ceremony. Behind Zelensky, two more gray planes resembling F-16s were positioned on the ground, partially obscured. The Ukrainian leader did not specify how many fighters had arrived, but the Economist reported that the first 10 (of a total of 79 promised) have been in Ukraine since the last day of July. By the end of the year, Kiev is expected to have 20 at its disposal. The rest, promised by a coalition led by Denmark and the Netherlands, will arrive in batches over the course of 2025. (ANSA).
2024-08-04 22:49:01