On Sunday, August 20, Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that the Netherlands would provide Ukraine with 42 F-16 fighter jets, and Denmark, in turn, would provide 19 more aircraft
This was reported by Espreso TV
Fighter jets from the Netherlands
Yesterday, President Zelenskyy arrived in the Netherlands to discuss with Prime Minister Mark Rutte the supply of F-16 fighter jets, which the president said was a “breakthrough agreement.”
He emphasized that the fighter jets would definitely be in Ukrainian skies, as specifics were discussed.
“F-16. A breakthrough agreement. As of today, we have specifics. They will be in the Ukrainian sky. Thank you, Netherlands! Thank you, Mark! Thank you to everyone who helps!” the statement reads.
The Ukrainian leader said that after training Ukrainian pilots and engineers, the Netherlands would provide 42 fighter jets to the country. He also emphasized that this is “just the beginning”.
“We are taking another step to strengthen the air shield of Ukraine. F-16. Aircrafts that we will use to keep Russian terrorists away from Ukrainian cities and villages. Mark Rutte and I have agreed on the number of F-16s that will be provided to Ukraine – after training of our pilots and engineers. 42 aircraft. And this is just the beginning,” the president wrote.
For his part, Prime Minister Rutte noted that Ukrainian specialists are presently engaged in language training, with military training set to commence in the future, followed by their relocation to Romania. This transfer is planned to be executed swiftly to facilitate the delivery of the aircraft to Ukraine. Additionally, preparations for the necessary infrastructure to ensure safe takeoffs and landings in Ukraine are also underway. The completion of authorization processes is also part of the procedure, as stated by the Dutch prime minister.
Earlier, Zelenskyy announced his arrival in the Netherlands with Olena Zelenska and the team.
“Together with the First Lady and the team, we arrived in the Netherlands. As always, we will have substantive talks with Prime Minister Mark Rutte. The main issue is F-16 for Ukraine to protect our people from Russian terror. We are getting stronger,” Zelenskyy said.
In addition, according to him, the Global Peace Summit, the Peace Formula and bringing the terrorist state of Russia to justice will be on the agenda during the talks.
Aircraft from Denmark
Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen, also said yesterday that the country would supply 19 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, but that certain conditions must be met.
The Ukrainian president said that the negotiations with Mette Frederiksen were “specific, substantive, powerful.” The President also noted that Ukrainian pilots and engineers are already undergoing training in Denmark.
“Our pilots and engineers have already started training in Denmark. 19 F-16 jets will be provided to Ukraine by Denmark. We are working on the speed of training. Today we also discussed the possibility of expanding training missions, the algorithm is clear. Our F-16 coalition proves its effectiveness,” Zelenskyy said.
Earlier, the Danish Ministry of Defense has already announced the country’s intention to provide Ukraine with fighter jets, but Ukraine must fulfill a number of conditions.
“It makes me proud that Denmark, together with the Netherlands, will donate F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine’s fight for freedom against Russia and its senseless aggression. Denmark’s support for Ukraine is unwavering, and with the donation of F-16 aircraft, Denmark is now leading the way,” said Defense Minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen.
According to the Ministry of Defense, the creation of a joint coalition for F16 training is also coordinated with the transfer of F-16 fighter jets.
“Donation of aircraft will be vital for efforts related to ensuring Ukraine a fully functional F-16 capability. We agree to transfer F-16 aircraft to Ukraine and the Ukrainian Air Force in close cooperation with the US and other partners, when the conditions for such a transfer are met,” the statement said.
In particular, the conditions include successfully selected, tested and trained Ukrainian personnel, necessary permits, infrastructure, and logistics.
Discussion about this post