NATO Begins Sending F-16 Aircraft to Ukraine for its War with Russia
NATO member countries announced on Wednesday that they have begun sending F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine during a historic summit in Washington.
These jets, from Denmark and the Netherlands, “will fly in Ukrainian skies this summer to ensure that Ukraine can continue to defend itself effectively against Russian aggression,” stated U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
The White House added that Belgium and Norway have also pledged to provide more aircraft.
Ukraine is seeking a formal invitation to join NATO, but will have to wait due to opposition from several countries, including the United States.
However, according to diplomatic sources, NATO countries agreed on Wednesday that Ukraine is on an “irreversible path” towards NATO membership, in a final declaration that still needs to be formally adopted by the alliance’s leaders.
After celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Western Military Alliance on Tuesday, they will meet at the North Atlantic Council to discuss ways to provide further support to Ukraine, which is increasingly targeted by Russian bombings.
U.S. President Joe Biden confirmed on Tuesday night that the allies will provide Ukraine with a total of five air defense systems, including four Patriot batteries, which are highly effective in intercepting Russian ballistic missiles.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who is in Washington, has been requesting these for months. On Tuesday, he thanked his allies for their “strong statement” of support and urged them to remain vigilant ahead of the U.S. elections in November.
Germany, the Netherlands, Romania, and Italy will also contribute.
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