The US announced that it prioritized the plan to transfer F-16s to Ukraine, affirming that it would not encourage Kiev to do something.

During a meeting with a group of military observers in Washington on May 22, US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said that Western F-16 fighter-bombers will be deployed in Ukraine.

The transfer of fourth-generation F-16 fighters to Ukraine is a top priority for the United States. (Source: US Air National Guard)

Asked whether the fighter jets would be based in a NATO country, Kendall replied: “If the assets become part of the Ukrainian Air Force, I assume they will be deployed in Ukraine.”

On the same day, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller announced that the transfer of fourth-generation F-16 fighters to Ukraine is Washington's top priority.

According to Mr. Miller, the implementation of the supply plan will begin in the coming months. The Ministry could not answer the question of which countries will participate in the supply of equipment and training of Ukrainian pilots.

Previously, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan also had a similar answer about who will transfer F-16s to Kiev - Washington or European countries.

On the Ukrainian side, on May 22, the spokesman of the country's Air Force (VVSU) Yuriy Ignat said that Kiev is preparing to receive 12-18 F-16 fighters, however, "Western partners plan to provide more - about 18 aircraft".

Mr. Ignat's announcement shows that Western countries will most likely not deliver individual fighters but will send a squadron at once. Previously, Ukraine announced its desire to receive up to 50 F-16 fighters.

Meanwhile, Politico quoted Ukrainian Defense Ministry Advisor Yuriy Sak as saying that the Netherlands could become the first country to supply F-16s to Kiev.

Regarding the incident in Belgorod province (Russia) where a group of commandos infiltrated on May 22, the head of the province, Vyacheslav Gladkov, said that Russian forces shot down unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) in the area with anti-aircraft weapons.

Moscow accuses the group of Ukrainian commandos and Russian security forces are currently taking every measure to destroy the group.

However, Kiev has denied any involvement in the incident and is "closely monitoring events in the region" and studying the situation.

In response to the above developments, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller affirmed that the US has clearly informed Kiev that Washington "does not facilitate or encourage Kiev to attack targets outside Ukraine's borders".

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/my-tuyen-bo-uu-tien-ke-hoach-chuyen-f-16-cho-ukraine-khang-dinh-khong-khuyen-khich-kiev-lam-mot-viec-228211.html