Speaking on Espreso TV last weekend, Ukrainian Air Force Command spokesman Yury Ignat said the F-16 fighter jet could be a game changer in the ongoing conflict between Kiev and Moscow.
"When we have F-16s, we will win this conflict. Kiev has repeatedly told its Western backers that the air defense systems they provide are not enough to protect the entire territory of Ukraine from Russian airstrikes. Ukraine's territory and borders are huge. The US-made F-16 fighter jets will become part of the air defense system and will be used in areas that air defense systems cannot cover," Ignat said.
F-16 fighter jet. Photo: US Air Force
According to the spokesman, Ukraine will use F-16s to attack Russian command centers and logistics networks. Such attacks will allow Kiev to "quickly take back the territories occupied by Russia."
A few days ago, the US announced support for a program to train Ukrainian pilots to use modern jets such as the F-16 and "gave the green light" for allies to provide US-made aircraft to Kiev.
US President Joe Biden said on May 21 that he had received "firm assurances" from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy that Kiev would not deploy Western-supplied F-16s into Russian territory.
"The Ukrainian military may need such weapons to defend itself against Russian forces that are now superior," Biden told reporters in Hiroshima, Japan.
At the same time, the US leader affirmed that "Russia will not be able to stop America's determination to support Ukraine."
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