Netherlands discussing transfer of F-16s to Ukraine with US, Britain, and Denmark – Dutch PM
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The Dutch government is considering the possibility of transferring F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine's armed forces and is negotiating the issue with its allies.
The Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte stated this on the first day of his visit to Brazil, Reuters reports.
On Tuesday, May 9, he will meet with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who criticizes the arming of Ukrainians.
"We are intensively discussing the F-16 with Denmark, Great Britain, some other parties in Europe, and the United States," Rutte said.
But, as the Prime Minister of the Netherlands emphasized, it is first necessary to reach an agreement between all partners. This is how it was in the past before the supply of howitzers and tanks to Ukraine.
"The debate is ongoing," Rutte added.
The Dutch head of government said he would explain to the Brazilian president why the issue of supporting Ukraine is "existential" for the Netherlands, Europe, and beyond. After all, the Russian invasion endangered Western values.
"We must help Ukraine in this fight. If Putin succeeds in Ukraine, and I don't think it will happen, he will not end there. People are worried about their own safety in Amsterdam, Berlin, Paris, and all over Europe," Rutte emphasized.
It should be noted that last week, during a visit to the Netherlands, President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine is currently working with international partners to transfer F-16 fighter jets to the Armed Forces and expects a positive result.
Earlier, the Ukrainian leader stated that the Western allies would hand over aircraft to Ukraine's armed forces after the successful offensive of the Ukrainian army.
For reference:
As reported, the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, met with the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte. He held talks with him in a tripartite format with the Prime Minister of Belgium.
It should be noted that, on January 17, information appeared in the mass media that the Netherlands is considering the transfer of the Patriot air defense system to Ukraine. Later, the Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, during a conversation with the President of the United States, Joe Biden, said that his country joined the supply of Patriot to Ukraine.
Read also – Why does Ukraine need foreign jet fighters?
