The Netherlands and Denmark confirmed that they will deliver F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine

The Netherlands and Denmark announced on Sunday that they will deliver fighter jets F-16 to Ukrainein a long-awaited announcement that the Ukrainian President, Volodimir Zelenskydescribed as an important motivation for the forces of his country, immersed in a difficult counteroffensive against Russia.

The timetable depends on how soon Ukrainian crews and infrastructure are ready for the powerful US-made aircraft, said the Dutch Prime Minister, mark rutteto Zelensky while both were visiting a Dutch airbase.

Ukraine has long been asking for this sophisticated fighter for a combat advantage. He recently launched a counteroffensive against Kremlin forces without air cover, putting his troops at the mercy of Russian aircraft and artillery.

Zelensky welcomed the “historic” announcement and praised Rutte for making the Netherlands the first country to offer the planes. The announcement came minutes after the two leaders inspected two gray F-16 jets parked in a hangar at the Dutch base in the southern city of eindhoven.

“I am proud that Denmark, together with the Netherlands, is going to donate F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine's fight for freedom against Russia and its senseless aggression. Denmark's support for Ukraine is unwaveringand with the donation of F-16s, Denmark is now at the forefront," Danish Defense Minister said in a statement. Jakob Ellemann-Jensen.

The message from the Danish government came shortly before Zelensky landed at the air base skrydstrup, in southern Denmark, following his visit earlier in the day to the Netherlands. He was received by the Danish Prime Minister, mette frederiksenthe Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lars Lokke Rasmussenand the Minister of Defence, Jakob Ellemann-Jensen.

During the visit, they will examine the F-16s and discuss the start of training for Ukrainian pilots, the Danish Prime Minister's office reported.

Earlier, Zelensky said on his Telegram channel that Ukraine would receive 42 jetsbut Holland and Denmarkin a joint statement announcing the deliveries, They did not specify numbers.

Rutte said the Netherlands has 42 of the planes, but said some will be needed for training purposes.

It was also not clear when they will cross the skies of the Zelensky nation, but Rutte said he hopes it will be soon.

“F-16s won't immediately help the war effort. Anyway, it is a long-term commitment from the Netherlands”, declared the Dutch leader. “We want them to be up and running as soon as possible. ... Not for next month, that's impossible, but hopefully soon after."

Zelensky called the announcement powerful message for his forces.

''The F16 will undoubtedly give new energy, confidence and motivation to the fighters. and to civilians. I am sure that it will bring new results to Ukraine and to the whole of Europe, ”he stated.

The Dutch and Danish governments are also involved in a coalition working to train Ukrainian pilots in handling advanced fighters.

Zelensky declined to say how many Ukrainian pilots would receive training in Denmark and later in Romania, citing security reasons. However, Denmark said on Friday that training will begin this month.

Previously, the authorities had claimed that the Ukrainian pilots would need six to eight months of training.

On Friday, Holland and Denmark they said that The United States had authorized them to deliver US-made F-16s to Ukraine. Washington's approval was seen as a big boost for kyiv, even though the fighter jets will have no short-term impact in the nearly 18-month war.

Washington claims that the F-16just like the advanced American tanks Abramswill be crucial in the long term for kyiv to face Russia.

Ukraine has been relying on older aircraft, such as the MiG29 and the Sukhoi of Russian manufacture. The F-16s have more modern technology and aiming capabilities. They are also more versatile, according to experts.

In a video message released Sunday, Zelensky vowed to take severe reprisals by the Russian missile attack the previous day in the center of the city of chernihivin northern Ukraine, in which seven people died and more than 100 were injured.

(With information from AP)

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