NATO countries to discuss provision of F-16s for Ukraine – Ukraine’s foreign minister

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba received assurances from partners that their countries will discuss the readiness of Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 fighter jets, which is much higher than some believe.

Kuleba said this at a briefing following the results of the meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Commission, reports Ukrinform.

The head of the Ukrainian diplomacy noted that he discussed the issue of providing Ukraine with F-16s at some bilateral meetings in Brussels.

According to him, the Ukrainian side dispelled some of the arguments of those who believe that providing Ukraine with Western aircraft is "too long and too difficult and almost impossible from a practical point of view."

"No one is saying that it is unnecessary. There are no solutions, but I received an assurance today that the information I provided about the much higher readiness of Ukraine to operate these aircraft than some [people] believe will be discussed in the capitals with the political leadership of these states." Kuleba said.

Ultimately, he expressed confidence that the decision to provide Western fighter jets to Ukraine will be made – "it will just take time."

For reference:

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia, Urmas Reinsalu, believes that the partners should abandon the principle of step-by-step military support for Ukraine and provide everything necessary for Ukrainian victory, including F-16 fighter jets.

To become a member of NATO, Ukraine must preserve and consolidate its sovereignty, which Ukraine's partners help to do.

This was stated by the Secretary General of the North Atlantic Alliance, Jens Stoltenberg, at the press conference following the meeting of the Ukraine-NATO Commission.