NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has articulated a complex stance regarding the provision of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, highlighting a 'dilemma' in the supply process. Despite the challenges, Stoltenberg confirmed in an interview with Radio Liberty that Ukraine would have the capability to use these jets for self-defense, including the ability to strike legitimate Russian military targets outside of Ukraine's territory. This statement underscores the broader strategic implications of arming Ukraine with advanced military technology, amid concerns of escalating conflict dynamics. Notably, the potential effectiveness of the F-16s in altering the battlefield balance remains uncertain, with some views suggesting that the jets may not significantly tip the scales. Furthermore, the deployment of F-16s is contingent on the readiness and training of Ukrainian pilots and crews, emphasizing the importance of preparation in leveraging the jets' capabilities effectively. The discussion around F-16s has also reached high levels of Ukrainian leadership, with President Zelenskyy being briefed on all aspects related to the aircraft at a Supreme Commander-in-Chief Staff meeting. Meanwhile, former Russian President Medvedev has warned that arming Ukraine with F-16s could lead to nuclear war, highlighting the risk of unintended escalation.
“A Nato official confirmed to the @FT on Thursday that Stoltenberg said Kyiv had the right to self-defence, including by striking legitimate Russian military targets outside Ukraine.” @HenryJFoy @maxseddon @IKoshiw https://t.co/4S03vgOAA6
Arming Ukraine with F-16s may lead to nuclear war – Medvedev Giving Kiev new military capabilities poses the risk of unintended escalation, the former Russian president said https://t.co/Mr6DOebbFv https://t.co/FAlOlSOHPd
✈️ @ZelenskyyUa hears reports on everything related to F-16 aircraft at Supreme Commander-in-Chief Staff meeting https://t.co/25nR6rEJfY
#Stoltenberg Hints #Ukraine Could Use #F16 for Strikes on Military Targets Inside #Russia Stoltenberg mentioned Ukraine's allies' desire for early F-16 deployment, stressing the jets' effectiveness hinges on pilot training and crew readiness. https://t.co/K8glRFYwEj
Ukraine will be able to use the F-16 to strike Russian territory, NATO head Stoltenberg said. “Ukraine has the right to self-defense, including striking legitimate Russian military targets outside Ukraine,” Radio Liberty quotes him.
Jens Stoltenberg said that 🇺🇦 #F16 pilots will have the right to strike legitimate 🇷🇺 military targets outside #Ukraine. Stoltenberg justified this by saying that the war started by #Russia is an aggressive war, so Ukraine has the right to self-defence. Source: Radio Liberty
⚡️When Ukraine receives F-16 fighter jets from allies, it will have the right to self-defense, including the ability to strike legitimate Russian military targets beyond Ukraine's territory, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said in an interview with Radio Liberty. 📷: AFP https://t.co/BwExBu0gIv
Ukraine will be able to use F-16s for strikes on the territory of Russia, NATO chief Stoltenberg says. “Ukraine has the right to self-defense, including striking on legitimate Russian military facilities outside Ukraine.” https://t.co/5Kme2ZbCBO
Ukraine 🇺🇦 will be able to defend it's self and strike military targets in Russia when they receive F-16 Fighter Jets from allies, the Secretary General of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg has stated https://t.co/BMgFJNYM7O
The F-16s provided to Ukraine are unlikely to tip the balance on the battlefield https://t.co/qZcTQnahdY https://t.co/0fQg2FVGQw
🤔 NATO Secretary General explains "dilemma" in supply of F-16s to Ukraine https://t.co/8cYEB5SHCZ
NATO chief notes "dilemma" in supplying F-16s to Ukraine https://t.co/phMwQSzzCC https://t.co/wTpUIbYnG5