Training of Ukrainian pilots on F-16s to start in coming days or weeks – head of Ukraine's presidential office
The initiation of training for Ukrainian pilots on F–16 fighter jets is imminent, occuring within a period of days or weeks.
The head of the Office of the President, Andriy Yermak, said this on the air of the nationwide telethon "Yedyni Novyny", Ukrinform reports
"As for Ukraine receiving planes. First, we are talking about the beginning of training, and this training will begin very, very soon, and we are talking about days, weeks at the most. As for the provision of planes. First, the planes will be provided to us by the countries- partners, who have already announced their readiness to supply these aircraft, and then the United States will join in," Yermak said.
He added that President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked US President Joe Biden for helping Ukraine receive F-16s.
"What our presidents talked about during Biden's visit to Kyiv, when he said that he would do everything so that Ukraine would get the planes, he really did. And for that, a big thank you to the president, and the US Congress, and both chambers, and to the White House, and all Americans, because we have a lot of support from the American people," Yermak said.
The head of the President's Office also noted that the issue of a counteroffensive remains within the scope of the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the military.
"First of all, regarding the timing [of the counter-offensive — ed.], we will leave the matter of the counter-offensive to our soldiers, the Supreme Commander-in-Chief; we are all waiting for the counter-offensive, we are all doing everything to make it successful, but I will officially announce all other details when there will be time," Yermak said.
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It should be noted that in the future, the Ukrainian military may receive several dozen F-16 fighter jets, and they will probably be transferred in units.
In the summer of 2023, Great Britain will begin basic training of Ukrainian pilots to fly Western combat jets.
The press service of the British government reported this on Monday as Ukrainian President Zelensky visits the UK today for meetings with British leaders.
EU's top diplomat Josep Borrell hopes Ukraine will soon receive F-16 fighter jets.
The United States has given the green light for third countries to supply Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets. Negotiations in this regard are ongoing.
Several European states have announced the start of training programs for Ukrainian military pilots to use jets.
