How Anthony Blinken Influenced the US Decision to Support Ukraine’s F-16 Training and Supply

In particular, it refers to a high-ranking official of the United States. The publication noted that this information was provided to them by US officials.

See also The West has changed its position on the F-16 for Ukraine: what are the main characteristics of fighters

Who influenced Biden’s decision

U.S. officials said Secretary of State Anthony Blinken was the main force in the administration seeking permission for the Allies to hand over the planes and was actively working with various countries within NATO to move policy forward.
– said the publication.

The journalists also recalled that Anthony Blinken also played a similar role when the Alliance was at an impasse on whether to supply Ukraine with modern tanks.

The publication recalled that then Germany decided to approve the transfer of Leopard 2 only after Blinken pushed the White House to approve the transfer of M1 Abrams tanks to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, despite the reluctance of the Pentagon.

How the West changed the decision on the F-16

• On May 19, Joe Biden told G-7 leaders that the US would support efforts to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 aircraft.
• The White House explained that in the coming months, the partners will decide who and how many F-16 aircraft will be delivered to Ukraine.
• It should be noted that an aviation coalition has been created to transfer the F-16 to Ukraine. British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said they would work with the US, the Netherlands, Belgium and Denmark to provide Ukraine with the air combat capability it needs.
• Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmitry Kuleba explained that Portugal will also join the coalition, which will train our pilots and mechanics on Western-style combat aircraft.
• The Defense Express publication suggested that the Netherlands and Denmark would most likely supply fighters to Ukraine. From them, Ukraine can get one or two squadrons of fighters, that is, from 24 to 36 F-16 fighters.