Ukraine’s allies reach agreement to provide 42 F-16 fighter jets

In the first stage, Ukraine will receive 42 American F-16 fighter jets from its allies.

President Volodymyr Zelensky reported that on Telegram.

The head of state made the corresponding statement during his visit to the Netherlands and after meeting with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

"Mark Rutte and I agreed on the number of F-16s that will be provided to Ukraine – after training our pilots and engineers. 42 aircraft. And this is just the beginning," the president wrote.

At the same time, Mark Rutte confirmed at the press conference that the training will take place in the Netherlands, Denmark, and Romania. According to him, Ukrainian pilots are currently receiving language training.

"Regarding the timing, language training is currently taking place, and in the future, when the military training starts, it will move to Romania. This will be done quickly, as soon as possible, to transfer the planes to Ukraine. Meanwhile, we must work on the infrastructure so that these planes can take off and land safely in Ukraine," the prime minister said.

For reference:

Today, August 20, President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived on a visit to the Netherlands. The country's leader immediately noted that the central issue of his trip to the country would be F-16 fighters.

The President of Ukraine and the Prime Minister of the Netherlands have already held a meeting and visited the military base where F-16 aircraft are located. After the meeting, Mark Rutte said that the Netherlands and Denmark are committed to transferring F-16 aircraft to Ukraine when the conditions for such a transfer are met.

As Rutte noted, the Netherlands announced it would train Ukrainian pilots for deployment on the F-16 in May. At the same time, it is impossible to conduct training without fighters.

"That is, the delivery of aircraft is necessary for training. Today we can announce that the Netherlands and Denmark undertake to transfer F-16 aircraft to Ukraine when the conditions for such a transfer are met," Rütte said.