Kyiv, Aug 21 (EFE).- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Monday hailed Denmark and the Netherlands’ decision to send F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine and said they “will instill fresh confidence and motivation” in both the soldiers and civilians.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (C) and Ukrainian First Lady Olena Zelenska (L) arrive together with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (R) at the Landstingsalen at Palace in Copenhagen, Denmark, 21 August 2023. EFE-EPA/Mads Claus Rasmussen DENMARK OUT
“F-16s will instill fresh confidence and motivation in both warriors and ordinary citizens. They will produce fresh results for Ukraine and the rest of Europe,” Zelenskyy wrote on X (formerly Twitter) hours after concluding a visit to Sweden, the Netherlands and Denmark to drum up weapons systems support to Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (L) and Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte give a press conference during a visit to Eindhoven Air Base, Eindhoven, the Netherlands, 20 August 2023. EFE-EPA/ROB ENGELAAR
The Ukrainian president has repeatedly stressed the importance of these modern fighter jets in defending Ukrainian military and civilians from Russian missiles.
Zelenskyy also thanked the acting Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mark Rutte, and Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen for their decision to supply his country with the American-made planes.
On Sunday, the Danish prime minister announced that her government would send a total of 19 F-16 fighters to Ukraine, six of them before the end of this year.
Earlier, the acting Dutch prime minister confirmed that the Netherlands would send F-16s to Ukraine “as soon as possible” once the military training of Ukrainian pilots is completed.
Although Rutte did not specify how many aircraft his country would send, Zelensky stated that a total of 42 F16s would arrive in Ukraine from the Netherlands.
Ukraine has been asking allies to supply modern fighter jets to provide aerial protection to its soldiers on the front lines. EFE
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