CNN: US still hasn't approved plan to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16s

The United States is still waiting for European officials to finalize a plan to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets.

Source. This was reported by CNN, citing officials familiar with the matter.

Before the training program can take effect, the US government must approve it.

The training was scheduled to begin in August, but a number of crucial details still need to be worked out. It is also not yet clear which countries will provide F-16s for training and for Ukraine itself after the training is completed. The transfer of the planes to Ukraine will require a separate US authorization.

CNN sources said that the US is still deciding whether to send American pilots to train Ukrainians, but no decisions will be made until the final training plan is approved.

The course itself is expected to be held in Denmark and Romania with the assistance of the Netherlands, Belgium, Canada, Luxembourg, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, and the United Kingdom, officials said.

However, key details, including dates, locations and duration of the training course are still being worked out, White House National Security Council Coordinator John Kirby said last week.

Background. Earlier, Politico reported that the plan to train Ukrainian pilots to operate F-16s had not yet been chosen, and the idea to train pilots in the United States had not found support.