13-7-2023 (MOSCOW) Russia has expressed concerns over the deployment of Western F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, stating that they pose a “nuclear” threat due to their capability of carrying atomic weapons. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov made the remarks on Thursday, emphasizing that Russia cannot ignore the potential nuclear capacity of these aircraft.
While Ukraine has been seeking military aid from its Western allies to counter Russia’s offensive, Lavrov specifically mentioned the US plan to transfer F-16s to Ukraine. However, it is important to note that Washington has not yet given approval for any country to supply these fighter jets.
Lavrov stated that Russia views the mere presence of these aircraft in the Ukrainian armed forces as a nuclear threat from the West. He highlighted that, in the midst of combat operations, Russian servicemen would not be able to distinguish whether each individual F-16 is equipped with nuclear weapons or not.
“No amount of assurances will help here,” Lavrov commented, as quoted by the Russian foreign ministry.
The Netherlands and Denmark are taking the lead in a program aimed at training Ukrainian pilots to operate the US-made F-16s. This initiative is part of an 11-nation coalition, and the training is scheduled to commence in Denmark in August following authorization from the United States.
