[D66] Stoltenberg Hints Ukraine Could Use F-16 for Strikes on Military Targets
René Oudeweg
roudeweg at gmail.com
Sat Feb 24 07:26:09 CET 2024
kyivpost.com
Stoltenberg Hints Ukraine Could Use F-16 for Strikes on Military Targets
Inside Russia
Julia Struck
5–6 minutes
In an interview with Radio Liberty, NATO Secretary-General Jens
Stoltenberg stressed that each ally retains the autonomy to provide F-16
fighter jets to Ukraine, affirming Ukraine's right to self-defense,
including striking legitimate Russian military targets beyond its borders.
Ukraine has actively pursued U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets to counter
Russian air superiority. The United States approved the transfer of
F-16s from Denmark and the Netherlands to Ukraine in August, pending
completion of pilot training.
Kyiv had long sought to obtain the fighters after heavy losses incurred
by its air force, which flies primarily Russian aircraft. The US F-16
has better combat capabilities than those operated by Ukraine.
On the question of when Ukraine will be able to deploy F-16s,
Stoltenberg stated that it was not possible to determine.
He reassured that Ukraine’s allies all wish for their early deployment,
emphasizing that the effectiveness of the F-16s will significantly
depend on the training of pilots and the preparedness of maintenance
crews and support personnel.
“I think we have to listen to the military experts exactly when we will
be ready to or when allies will be ready to start sending and delivering
the F-16s,” the NATO chief said.
“The sooner, the better,” he added.
Stoltenberg revealed that the decision to deliver F-16s to Ukraine would
be left to each ally, with differing policies.
"The war in Ukraine is a war of aggression, and Ukraine has the right to
self-defense, including striking legitimate Russian military targets
outside Ukraine," as cited by Stoltenberg in the Radio Liberty media outlet.
As Italy and Ukraine get ready to sign a security agreement, their
cultural bonds are secured with a performance by the Odesa Orchestra in
the Italian parliament.
He also highlighted the significance of Russian opposition politician
Aleksei Navalny's death and the recent gains made by Russian forces on
the battlefield, emphasizing the urgent need for NATO and its allies to
rally behind Ukraine.
"I strongly believe that the best way to honor the memory of Aleksei
Navalny is to ensure that President Putin doesn't win on the battlefield
but that Ukraine prevails," Stoltenberg stated.
He pointed to the recent withdrawal of Ukrainian forces from Avdiivka,
following months of intense fighting, as a clear indicator of the
necessity for increased military support to prevent further Russian
advancements.
While discussing the $61 billion U.S. military aid package for Ukraine,
the NATO chief noted that its progress has been stalled in the House of
Representatives. However, he highlighted the proactive support from
other nations such as Sweden, Canada, and Japan.
"We are focused on the United States, but we also see how other allies
are really stepping up and delivering significant support to Ukraine,"
Stoltenberg told Radio Liberty.
Denmark's transfer of 19 American-made F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine will
take place in the second quarter of 2024, once Ukrainian pilots have
completed training, the Danish defense ministry said at the beginning of
January.
The Netherlands also announced F-16 transfers to Ukraine last August and
is currently training Ukrainian pilots, but it has yet to say when the
42 planes will arrive.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky assured in his New Year's address
that Ukrainian pilots were ready to fly the F-16s, which should be put
into service this year.
Julia Struck
Julia Struck is a news writer and Kyiv Post correspondent who has
previously worked as a parliamentary editor, journalist, and news
editor. She has specialized in covering the work of Ukrainian
parliament, government, and law enforcement agencies.
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