Russia on F-16: – Colossal risk
Photo: YVES HERMAN / NTB.
On Friday evening, news broke that several countries, including the United States and Denmark, will contribute training so that Ukrainian pilots can fly F-16 jets.
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan called the promised arms aid a measure introduced in a context of continuously changing conflict during the war, Reuters news agency reports.
– Based on how the training unfolds in the coming months, we will work with our allies to find out when the planes will be delivered, who will deliver them and how much, Sullivan said, without saying anything about which countries could possibly stand behind such a free.
On Saturday, Russia responded by saying a potential delivery of F-16 jets could carry great risk, according to Reuters, citing Kremlin-controlled Tass.
– We see that Western countries are still sticking to the escalation scenario. This involves “colossal risks” for them, said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Alexander Grushko.
So far, countries have only pledged to help train and not deliver real fighters, despite Volodymyr Zelenskyi’s numerous pleas for F-16 jets.
The training will likely take place exclusively in Europe, according to CNN. However, US personnel will participate in the training, which is expected to last several months.
Norwegian Defense Minister Bjørn Arild Gram (Sp) will not say whether it is relevant for Norway to contribute with planes.
– We are constantly evaluating new donations to Ukraine, but do not comment on future concrete contributions, Gram said in an email from the Ministry of Defense to TV 2 on Friday evening.
