Markarova: Ukraine will use F-16s on battlefield this year

Ukrainian diplomats in the United States are working to increase the extent of F-16 fighter pilot training and training of aircraft maintenance personnel.

Ukraine's Ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova, announced this on Ukrainian television, commenting on what might be transferred to Ukraine shortly from the military aid package announced by the U.S., Ukrinform reports

"2024 is the year when we will have this [F-16 jet] capability and it will be used on the battlefield. We are currently working on a rapid increase in the number of training sessions, an increase in the number of training sessions for maintenance personnel and, of course, on getting the delivery of aircraft closer," Markarova said.

She added that "the coming months will show a serious increase" in the supply of weapons to the front lines and air defense systems for the protection of Ukrainian cities. In particular, diplomats are working on the transfer of artillery shells to Ukraine, she said.

"Air defense support is also important. This is also a matter of additional systems that have already started arriving. There was an announcement about the Patriot that came to us from Germany. We are working on an additional five systems that will arrive. There are also the systems that were ordered earlier -- NASAMS and others. We will soon see them in service with our troops," Markarova said.

NATO's 75th anniversary summit was held in Washington on July 9-11 at the level of heads of state and government of member countries and partners. During the summit, the leaders of the allied countries agreed on a new aid package for Ukraine, which should allow it to prevail in the war against Russia, and deter and provide reliable protection against Russian aggression in the future.

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