F-16 aircraft are already in Ukraine. This was announced by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the Day of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
F-16, MiG-29 and Su-27 fighter jets flew over the sky during the ceremony of congratulating the warriors.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy noted that we are now at a new phase in the development of the Air Force of the AFU. Ukraine has done a lot to elevate the Ukrainian Air Force to a new standard of aviation – Western combat aviation.
"We have held hundreds of meetings and negotiations to strengthen the capabilities of our aviation, to strengthen the capabilities of our air defense, and our Defense Forces. We have often heard the word "impossible" in response, but we have made possible what was our ambition, our defense need, and now it is actually a reality, a reality in our skies. F-16s are in Ukraine. We made it happen," the President said.
He stressed that the number of F-16s and trained pilots is still insufficient. Ukraine is waiting for additional fighter jets from partner countries, and our pilots and engineers continue to receive relevant education and training.
The President also noted that we should work to ensure that neighboring countries shoot down Russian missiles heading in their direction.
"This is the type of coalition we really need today. After all, it is a great responsibility for a single neighboring country to assist us shoot down missiles. Although I believe this certainly should have been addressed a long time ago. I think there is another tool – for NATO countries to discuss with Ukraine the possibility of such a small coalition of neighboring countries that will shoot down enemy missiles," Volodymyr Zelenskyy summed up.
The Head of State instructed Ukrainian diplomats to arrange a meeting with the North Atlantic Alliance in the format of the NATO-Ukraine Council to discuss this issue.
