Ukraine confirms F-16s have arrived in country as Zelensky heralds ‘new chapter’ in fight against Russia
The appearance of F-16 competitor jets in Ukraine notes "a brand-new phase" for the country's Sky Pressure, Head of state Volodymyr Zelensky stated Sunday as he verified for the very first time that the fight airplane remain in the nation.
Ukraine has actually been actually advising allies towards move the sought after jets because the begin of the battle towards safeguard its own skies versus Russian missiles. Russia preserves sky supremacy over Ukraine as well as the F-16s deal a considerable enhancement in Kyiv's weaponry. The F-16s can easily offer sky deal with for soldiers, assault ground aim ats, handle opponent airaircrafts as well as intercept missiles.
"Our team kept numerous conferences as well as settlements towards enhance the abilities of our air travel as well as sky protection," Zelensky stated, talking at an airbase outdoors Kyiv.
"Our team frequently listened to the response that it was actually difficult," he stated. "Currently it is actually a truth. F-16s remain in Ukraine. I am actually happy with all of our guys that are actually grasping these airplane as well as have actually currently began utilizing all of them for our nation."
Zelensky stated he is actually thankful towards companions, as well as particularly towards the very initial nations that approved Kyiv's ask for the airplane. "I say thanks to Denmark, the Netherlands, as well as the Unified Conditions. As well as towards all of our companions - our team value your sustain," he stated.
"Currently is actually a brand-new phase in the Ukrainian Sky Pressure. Our team have actually performed a great deal towards guarantee that the Ukrainian Sky Pressure changes towards a brand-new requirement of air travel - Western side fight airplane," he stated.
Zelensky stated he can not discuss particular fight objectives or even the number of F-16s are actually currently in Ukraine, however stated, "Up until now, the variety that's offered in Ukraine as well as the variety of flies that have actually currently been actually qualified is actually insufficient."
Nevertheless, "these jets remain in our skies. It is great that they shown up as well as our team can easily utilize all of them. A minimum of for today I can easily inform you freely that our team can easily utilize all of them," he stated.
The US dedicated towards authorizing the move of F-16 competitor jets towards Ukraine in August in 2015, after months of lobbying through Kyiv.