The US agrees to transfer F-16s to Ukraine "only if they are not used for strikes on russian territory"
At this point, the United States has provided "everything necessary" for the Ukrainian Armed Forces to launch a counteroffensive "this summer," Sullivan said
The United States will join allied efforts to train Ukrainian pilots on fourth-generation fighter jets, including F-16s, said Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs Jake Sullivan during a briefing at the White House.
According to him, while the training is underway, the coalition will decide which countries will provide military aircraft to Ukraine.
"As the training takes place in the coming months, we will work with our allies to determine when the aircraft will be delivered, by whom, and in what numbers," Sullivan said.
He added that the F-16s could be transferred to Ukraine only if they are not used for strikes on russian territory.
At the same time, Sullivan made it clear that fighter jets are not a priority when it comes to Ukraine's immediate needs. He noted that at this stage, the United States has provided "everything necessary" for the Ukrainian Armed Forces to launch a counteroffensive "this summer," including tanks, artillery, and armored vehicles.
The day before, Joe Biden's administration agreed that other countries would supply Kyiv with American-made F-16 fighters. It was also said that American instructors would join the training of Ukrainian pilots, although it would take place in Europe rather than the United States.
Four EU countries (Belgium, the UK, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Norway) and Norway have already expressed their readiness to provide these aircraft to the Ukrainian Armed Forces. The UK has announced the launch of an international coalition to train Ukrainian pilots on fourth-generation fighters. It also includes the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, and Portugal.
Background. Meanwhile, Podolyak commented on the possibility of providing Ukraine with F-16s, saying that decisions have been made.
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