Zelensky told the lawmakers that if Russia’s invasion is successful, other parts of Europe would be at risk from the Kremlin’s military aggression
President Zelensky addressing the Danish Parliament. Pic/AP
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Danish lawmakers on Monday for helping his country resist Russia’s invasion, a day after Denmark and the Netherlands announced they will provide Kyiv with American-made F-16 warplanes that could be delivered around the end of the year.
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Zelensky told the lawmakers that if Russia’s invasion is successful, other parts of Europe would be at risk from the Kremlin’s military aggression. “All of Russia’s neighbors are under threat if Ukraine does not prevail,” he said in a speech in Copenhagen.
Ukraine has been pressing its Western allies for months to give it F-16s. Its armed forces are still using aging Soviet-era combat planes from the 1970s and ‘80s, and its counteroffensive against Russian positions is advancing without air support, which analysts say is a major handicap.
According to Zelensky, Ukraine would get 42 jets. Denmark pledged 19 F-16s, which could be delivered around the end of the year when pilot training lasting four to six months is completed.
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However, getting Ukrainian squadrons battle-ready could take much longer. US Air Force Gen. James Hecker, commander of US air forces in Europe and Africa, said last week that he did not expect the F-16s to be a game-changer for Ukraine. Getting F-16 squadrons ready for battle could take “four or five years,” he said.
While some training has already begun for Ukrainian pilots, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on Sunday it’s just language lessons so far.
42
No of F-16 jets Ukraine is set to receive
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