Ukraine files with the Netherlands request for F-16s

This is reported by Ukrinform with reference to NOS.

"Ukraine has submitted a request to the Netherlands for the supply of F-16 fighter jets. This has been confirmed by Minister of Defense Kaisa Ollongren," the statement reads.

It is noted that the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky, asked for "wings to protect freedom."

According to Ollongren, the request is understandable, but not easy to fulfill.

“We need to discuss the availability of F-16s with the Americans and other allies," says Ollongren. "And we have to look seriously at the consequences, it can't just happen overnight. We have to be honest about that," she says.

She also noted that before the Ukrainian army can use fighter jets, pilots must undergo appropriate training.

These aircraft are part of the U.S. defense system of the United States, so Kyiv will be able to get F-16 fighters only with Washington’s permission to other countries to transfer these warplanes to Ukraine.

As reported by Ukrinform, President Volodymyr Zelensky discussed defense support for Ukraine with the leaders of European nations and the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. Zelensky visited Brussels on Thursday.

On February 8, the head of the Ukrainian state arrived in Great Britain, where he met with King Charles III and Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, as well as with Ukrainian military servicemen undergoing training on British soil.

In the evening of the same day, Zelensky arrived in Paris, where he met with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz.