MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stern warning on Wednesday, stating that if Western countries supply Ukraine with F-16 fighters, it would not alter the situation on the battlefield.
He emphasized that Moscow would consider these aircraft as legitimate targets, especially if they were deployed from airfields in third countries.
Addressing military pilots at a gathering northwest of Moscow, Putin underscored the capability of F-16 fighters to carry nuclear weapons, urging Russia to factor this into its military planning. He asserted that Russia would destroy the aircraft, similar to its actions against tanks, armored vehicles, and other military equipment currently being used in the conflict zone.
Putin’s remarks came in response to earlier comments by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, who stated that F-16 aircraft should arrive in Ukraine in the coming months. Ukraine, engaged in a prolonged conflict against Russia, has been seeking F-16s for an extended period.
Several Western countries, including Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands, have pledged to donate F-16s to Ukraine. Additionally, a coalition of nations has committed to providing assistance in training Ukrainian pilots for the operation of these aircraft.
The exchange highlights the escalating tensions and geopolitical dynamics surrounding the conflict between Ukraine and Russia, with the potential supply of advanced military hardware further complicating the situation.
