The Netherlands will allow Ukraine to use F-16s over Russian territory
The Netherlands will not prevent Ukraine from using F-16 fighters for self-defense in Russia. This was stated by the head of the Dutch diplomacy, Hanke Bruins Slot, during an informal meeting of NATO foreign ministers in Prague on May 31, reports Radio Liberty.
“If you have the right to self-defense, there are no limits to the use of weapons… This is a general principle,” she emphasized.
According to her, Ukraine’s right to use Western aviation over Russia is based on Article 51 of the UN Charter, which guarantees the right to self-defense. Bruins Slot noted that the Netherlands is actively cooperating with American partners to ensure the availability of F-16 fighters for Ukraine.
“We are ready to do everything possible to allow F-16s to fly in the skies of Ukraine as soon as possible,” she added.
Currently, Ukrainian pilots and ground personnel are training on F-16 fighters. It is expected that the first planes may arrive in Ukraine this summer, according to international sources.
Also on May 30, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen noted that Kyiv would be able to use Danish F-16 fighters to strike military targets and facilities in Russia.
We also recall that Sweden has announced that will transfer ASC 890 (Saab 340 AEW) long-range radar detection aircraft to Ukraine.
