Netherlands, Denmark commit to transfer of F-16 jets to Ukraine

ATHENS

The Netherlands and Denmark on Sunday committed to give F-16 jets to Ukraine, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to both the countries to finalize the deals.

The US on Friday gave approval to Amsterdam and Copenhagen for the delivery of F-16s, considered a major boost for Kyiv.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte met Zelenksyy at the Eindhoven Air Base in the Netherlands, and announced that the aircraft will be delivered to Ukraine “as soon as the necessary conditions have been met.”

In May, the Netherlands had announced to train Ukrainian military personnel for the deployment of F-16s.

Rutte said this “next step in our support for Ukraine” sends a clear signal that “we will continue supporting Ukraine, with whatever it takes, for as long as it takes.”

He did not specify a number, but Zelenskyy said they reached an agreement on 42 F-16s to be transferred to Ukraine.

Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren said the "message towards Russia is clear: Ukraine will not give up, and neither will we."

A few hours later, the Ukrainian leader was received by Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen at the Skrydstrup Air Base in southern Denmark. Zelenskyy said Denmark will provide Ukraine with 19 F-16s.

Later on X, formerly Twitter, he said it was a "powerful and very fruitful day," and thanked Rutte, Frederiksen and US President Joe Biden for their support.

Russia launched its “special military operation” in Ukraine, which has long pleaded for the sophisticated fighter, in February 2022.