Ukraine Has Received F-16 Fighter Jets, Zelensky Says
New York TimesAUG 14 2024
Marking Ukraine's Armed Forces Day, Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Sunday showcased the US-made F-16 fighter jets that recently arrived in the country, stating these will help turn the tide in the war with Russia.
Standing in front of two of the jets, while another two flew overhead in close formation, Zelenskyy said: "Now we have a new reality in our skies. The F-16s are in Ukraine. We made it happen. I am proud of our guys who are mastering these aircraft and have already started using them for our country. ... Our combat aviation will bring us closer to victory."
So far, Ukraine has reportedly received six F-16s — donated by the Netherlands — but is set to receive roughly 60 more from Belgium and Norway in the coming months.
These F-16s are a significant improvement in Ukraine's available weaponry and will be used to better protect troops, attack Russian targets, as well as shooting down incoming missiles. This is a new chapter for Ukraine's war effort and the defense of its territories.
While the arrival of F-16s in Ukraine is being heralded as a "magic pill" for the country's frontline difficulties, Russia will systematically destroy these jets and their numbers will soon dwindle. These planes will have little impact on the battlefield.