Ukraine should immediately receive longer-range artillery and F-16 jets - Herbst

In order to immediately strengthen the Ukrainian Armed Forces, stop the bloody bath around Bakhmut and prepare a successful counteroffensive by Ukrainian forces, the U.S. administration should provide Ukraine with longer-range artillery and F-16 fighter jets.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine John Herbst, who serves as Senior Director at the Atlantic Council's Eurasia Center, said this in a comment to Ukrinform.

"I think the most important thing is to give Ukraine longer-range artillery and then the F-16," the former high-ranking diplomat said.

He added that with long-range fire capabilities, the Ukrainians could immediately stop the bloody bath around Soledar and Bakhmut. In addition, the planes could ensure a successful counteroffensive by the Ukrainian Armed Forces or block more easily any anticipated Russian offensive.

Herbst also noted that given the time required for training on F-16 aircraft, it is necessary to start training Ukrainian pilots today.

"I think if the administration understood the need for the United States' own interest in helping Ukraine defeat Putin quickly, they would do that," Herbst said.

He also said that the latest corruption scandals in Ukraine could theoretically have a "very negative" influence on the process of further support from the United States.

"But I think President Zelensky and his government have handled it well," Herbst said.