Denmark and the Netherlands have announced their decision to donate F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, a move that has drawn criticism from Russia. The initial delivery of six jets is expected to take place around the New Year, with a total of 19 jets to be delivered by Denmark. The Netherlands, which has 42 F-16s available, is yet to decide whether all of them will be donated.
Russia has condemned the decision, stating that it will only escalate the conflict. Russian ambassador Vladimir Barbin argued that Denmark’s actions are pushing Ukraine to continue the military confrontation with Russia. However, Ukraine sees the F-16s as crucial in its efforts to drive Russian forces out of its territory. The jets are expected to deter air attacks on Ukrainian troops and provide superiority in the air, which is seen as key to success on the ground.
Denmark has imposed conditions on the use of the donated F-16s, stating that they can only be used within Ukraine’s own territory to drive the enemy out. Danish Defence Minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen emphasized that these conditions apply to all weapons donated, including tanks and fighter planes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy hailed the decision as a “breakthrough agreement.” The Ukrainian pilots have already begun training, but it will take at least six months, and possibly longer, to train engineers and mechanics.
The delivery of the U.S.-made F-16 jets was approved by Washington last week. The move by Denmark and the Netherlands to support Ukraine with these fighter jets is seen as a significant step in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.
What are the conditions imposed by Denmark on the use of the donated F-16 jets by Ukraine
Denmark and the Netherlands have made a bold move by announcing their decision to donate F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, a move that has caught the attention of Russia. The initial delivery of six jets is scheduled to take place around the New Year, with a total of 19 jets to be delivered by Denmark. However, the Netherlands, which has 42 F-16s at its disposal, is still contemplating whether all of them will be donated.
Unsurprisingly, Russia has strongly condemned this decision, arguing that it will only escalate the conflict. Russian ambassador Vladimir Barbin believes that Denmark’s actions are pushing Ukraine to continue the military confrontation with Russia. On the other hand, Ukraine views the F-16s as crucial for driving Russian forces out of its territory. These jets are expected to deter air attacks on Ukrainian troops and provide air superiority, which is seen as a vital factor for success on the ground.
Denmark has imposed certain conditions on the use of the donated F-16s, specifying that they can only be used within Ukraine’s own territory to counter the enemy. Danish Defence Minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen has stressed that these conditions apply to all donated weapons, including tanks and fighter planes.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has welcomed this decision as a “breakthrough agreement.” Ukrainian pilots have already begun training, but it will take at least six months, if not longer, to train engineers and mechanics.
The delivery of the U.S.-made F-16 jets was approved by Washington last week. This move by Denmark and the Netherlands is considered a significant step in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
[Source: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.]
It’s crucial to prioritize peaceful solutions and dialogue rather than fueling further tensions in the region.
I agree, escalating the conflict will only lead to more destruction and loss of life. Diplomatic negotiations should be the focus.