Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited a Dutch military base and inspected F-16 fighter jets that Kiev hopes to receive from Amsterdam.
President Zelensky's visit to the military base with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte came two days after the US agreed that the Netherlands and Denmark could supply Washington-made F-16 fighter jets to Kiev.
Mr. Zelensky's flight landed at Eindhoven air base in the Netherlands around noon on August 20.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visits an F-16 fighter jet at Eindhoven air base, Netherlands, August 20. Photo: Reuters
"We arrived in the Netherlands with the First Lady and a group of officials. As always, we will have important talks with Prime Minister Mark Rutte," Zelensky posted on Telegram. "The main issue is the transfer of F-16s to Ukraine to protect our people from Russian forces. We are becoming stronger."
Prime Minister Rutte announced on the same day that the Netherlands and Denmark will provide an unspecified number of F-16 fighters to Ukraine after the transfer conditions are met.
Shortly after, the Danish Foreign Ministry confirmed that, together with the Netherlands, they would transfer F-16 fighters to Ukraine "when the conditions are met".
"Conditions include the successful selection, testing and training of Ukrainian F-16 pilots as well as securing the necessary permits, infrastructure and logistics," the Danish Foreign Ministry added.
Observers say this is the first real commitment made by allies regarding F-16 fighters for the Ukrainian armed forces.
The Netherlands and Denmark are also leading a plan to train Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 fighters, with training expected to be completed in early 2024.
Ukrainian President Zelensky (left) and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte during a visit to Eindhoven air base on August 20. Photo: AFP
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Moscow would consider Western F-16 fighter jets sent to Ukraine a "nuclear" threat because they are capable of carrying nuclear weapons.
Before going to the Netherlands, Mr. Zelensky went to Sweden on August 19, discussing with Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson the production of СV90 armored vehicles in Ukraine as well as allowing Ukrainian pilots to participate in testing Stockholm's Gripen fighter jets.
Vu Hoang (According to Reuters, AFP )
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