Dutch defense chief: Ukraine can use F-16s against targets located in Russia

The Minister of Defense of the Netherlands, Ruben Brekelmans, said Ukraine could use the F-16 supplied by the Netherlands against the legitimate targets inside Russia, for defensive purposes in accordance with international law.

He said this while answering journalists' questions ahead of the NATO defense ministerial in Brussels, an Ukrinform correspondent reports.

"We have delivered our first batch of F-16s. They are currently in Ukrainian airspace. And we have always said that Ukraine needs to comply with international law. But international law does not contain any restrictions in terms of distance. International law doesn't stop at the border or 100km away from the border. So we allow Ukraine to use the F-16s for their self-defense and for the self-defense. It might be needed to intercept missiles or to hit for example, airfields in Russia. So military targets. And that's also allowed to do that inside Russian territory or in Russian airspace," Brekelmans said.

He also noted that issues related to support for Ukraine are key.

"I think the support of Ukraine is a key priority for these days. I went to Kharkiv and Kiev ten days ago and the situation both at the frontline, but in big cities, as Kharkiv is very concerning. So I think we need to step up our efforts. Second, we need to talk about bolstering our defense and deterrence, because the Russian threat is only increasing not only in the short term but also in the longer term," he said.

As reported, a meeting of NATO defense ministers is being held on October 17-18 at the NATO Headquarters in Brussels. The Ukrainian delegation is also attending the event.