Ukraine can use F-16 jets to strike military targets in Russia – NATO chief

Every ally will decide whether to supply F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, but Ukraine has the right to self-defense, which includes the ability to strike Russian military targets outside Ukraine, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said in an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty in Brussels.

Stoltenberg believes that the death of Russian opposition politician Alexei Navalny and Russia's recent advances on the battlefield should concentrate NATO and its allies on helping Ukraine, Rubryka reports.

According to him, the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from the city of Avdiivka after months of intense fighting demonstrates the need for greater military assistance to "ensure that Russia cannot achieve further success."

"I strongly believe that the best way to honor the memory of Aleksei Navalny is to ensure that President Putin doesn't win on the battlefield but that Ukraine prevails," Stoltenberg said in the interview.

While the US aid package is stuck in the House of Representatives, other countries, including Sweden, Canada, and Japan, have increased their support for Ukraine, he added.

"Of course, we are focused on the United States, but we also see how other allies are really stepping up and delivering significant support to Ukraine," Stoltenberg said.

When asked when Ukraine can use the F-16 fighter jets, he said he cannot say for sure.

However, he pointed out that all allies of Ukraine want this to happen as soon as possible, but the effect of the F-16s will be stronger if the pilots and technical personnel are well-trained.

"So, I think we have to listen to the military experts exactly when we will be ready to or when allies will be ready to start sending and delivering the F-16s," he said. "The sooner, the better."

Stoltenberg stated each ally will decide whether to supply F-16s to Ukraine. At the same time, Ukraine has the right to self-defense, which includes the ability to strike Russian military targets outside Ukraine.

As Rubryka reported, Sweden announced its 15th aid package — the largest since the start of the full-scale invasion. It is worth $684 million and includes combat boats, mines, artillery ammunition, air defense systems, and more.

Canada has announced that it will provide over 800 drones worth $70 million.

Tokyo will provide $106 million for Ukraine's recovery from the consequences of the war, including demining and infrastructure.

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