21-5-2023 (HIROSHIMA) US President Joe Biden confirmed on Sunday (May 21) that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had given him a “flat assurance” that Western-supplied F-16 fighter jets would not be deployed in Russian territory.
Speaking to reporters in Hiroshima, Japan, following a meeting of world leaders, Biden stated that the F-16 warplanes could be utilized “wherever Russian troops are within Ukraine and the area.”
He emphasized that it was highly unlikely for the planes to be used in any Ukrainian offensive in the near future, but acknowledged that Ukrainian forces may require such weapons to defend themselves against Russian forces beyond their current reach.
During the three-day G7 summit, the leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) wealthiest democracies reaffirmed their support for Ukraine and issued a warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who claimed to have captured the eastern city of Bakhmut, an assertion denied by Kyiv. As part of the summit’s final day, Biden announced a military aid package of US$375 million, including artillery and armored vehicles, for Ukraine.
While discussing joint allied training programs for Ukrainian pilots on F-16 warplanes, Biden assured G7 leaders of Washington’s support, although specific public commitments for the delivery of the fighter jets to Kyiv have not yet been made.
Zelenskyy expressed confidence on Sunday that Kyiv would receive F-16 fighter jets from Western nations after months of lobbying for their acquisition.
During their private meeting, Biden and Zelenskyy addressed the issue, with Biden clarifying that the F-16s would not have been beneficial for Ukrainian forces in the context of Bakhmut. However, he acknowledged that they could play a significant role in preparing for future challenges.
