NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said that each ally retains the autonomy to provide F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, affirming Ukraine's right to self-defense, including striking legitimate Russian military targets beyond its borders.
He said this recently in an interview with Radio Liberty, reports Kyiv Post.
Ukraine has actively pursued U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets to counter Russian air superiority. The United States approved the transfer of F-16s from Denmark and the Netherlands to Ukraine in August, pending completion of pilot training.
Kyiv had long sought to obtain the fighters after heavy losses incurred by its air force, which flies primarily Russian aircraft. The US F-16 has better combat capabilities than those operated by Ukraine.
On the question of when Ukraine will be able to deploy F-16s, Stoltenberg stated that it was not possible to determine.
He reassured that Ukraine’s allies all wish for their early deployment, emphasizing that the effectiveness of the F-16s will significantly depend on the training of pilots and the preparedness of maintenance crews and support personnel.
“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,” the NATO chief said.
“The sooner, the better,” he added.
Stoltenberg revealed that the decision to deliver F-16s to Ukraine would be left to each ally, with differing policies.
"The war in Ukraine is a war of aggression, and Ukraine has the right to self-defense, including striking legitimate Russian military targets outside Ukraine," as cited by Stoltenberg in the Radio Liberty media outlet.
Bd-pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
