MOSCOW, Russia: The Kremlin announced on Thursday that any F-16 fighter jets delivered to Ukraine would be shot down and would not significantly affect the battlefield dynamics.
This statement came in response to reports that the first US-made fighter jets had arrived in Ukraine.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated, “Their number will gradually decrease, they will be shot down… But of course, these deliveries will not have any significant impact on the development of events on the front.”
For over two years, Ukraine has appealed to Western allies for F-16s, which are known for their precision, speed, and range. Kyiv hopes these jets will enhance its defences against Russian airstrikes. Several NATO countries have committed to supplying various numbers of F-16s and have been training Ukrainian pilots and crews for months.
In recent months, amid intensified Russian air attacks, President Volodymyr Zelensky has emphasized the urgent need for advanced air defences during meetings with allies.
In a May interview, Zelensky mentioned that Ukraine needed around 130 F-16s to match Russian aviation capabilities. However, Ukraine’s allies have pledged fewer than 100 F-16s, with most expected to arrive over the coming years, contingent on the extensive training of Ukrainian pilots.
Despite the anticipated deliveries, the Kremlin remains dismissive of the F-16s’ potential impact, insisting that they will be neutralized and will not alter the front-line situation significantly.
