Blockade of Western Jets to Ukraine to be Removed, Kyiv Requests F-16s

Ukraine is eyeing F-16 fighter jets to bring down Russian targets as it expects the blockade of receiving long-range weapons and fighter jets from the West to be resolved soon.

"The issue around long-range weapons and fighters for Ukraine can be resolved soon. Details will be a little later?" Head of the Ukrainian Presidential Administration, Andriy Yermak, wrote on Telegram.

In his recent meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made it clear that only aircraft and long-range weapons will be able to bring a quick end to the war.

Ukraine has already requested the Netherlands to deliver F-16s. As per NOS, a local news outlet, defense minister Kaisa Ollongren has already confirmed it.

“We need to discuss the availability of F-16s with the Americans and other allies," says Ollongren. "And we have to look seriously at the consequences, it can't just happen overnight. We have to be honest about that," she says.

Ukrainian pilots would also have undergo appropriate training before they can fly F-16s.

Kyiv will be able to get F-16 fighters only if the United States permits other countries to transfer these warplanes.