Denmark Approves Ukraine's Use of F-16 Jets for Strikes on Russian Soil

Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen has confirmed that Ukraine will be allowed to use Danish-supplied F-16 fighter jets to strike military targets within Russia.

Speaking in Brussels on Thursday, Rasmussen addressed the issue in response to a question regarding Copenhagen's position on Ukraine utilizing the jets against Russian territory. "The short answer is yes," Rasmussen was quoted as saying by European Pravda.

He clarified that this decision has been communicated from the beginning, highlighting that the policy aligns with Denmark's stance on self-defense.

This announcement is part of a larger initiative involving Denmark, Belgium, Norway, and the Netherlands, which have collectively pledged to supply Ukraine with 85 F-16 fighter jets.

Danish Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen announced in February that the first F-16s should be delivered to Ukraine's air force by this summer, provided that pilot training and infrastructure development proceed as planned. Poulsen emphasized that Denmark aims to deliver the initial jets within a few months if all preparations are on schedule.

This development comes days after Belgium Prime Minister Alexander De Croo stated that Ukrainian forces will be permitted to use Belgian-donated F-16s only on Ukrainian territory. Belgium has committed to delivering the first of its F-16s to Ukraine before the end of 2024, further enhancing Ukraine's defensive capabilities amid the ongoing conflict.

This development comes days after Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo stated that Ukrainian forces will be permitted to use Belgian-donated F-16s only on Ukrainian territory. Belgium has committed to delivering the first of its F-16s to Ukraine before the end of 2024, further enhancing Ukraine's defensive capabilities amid the ongoing conflict.