Russia has reacted to the US decision to support a joint effort to train Ukrainian pilots on fourth-generation fighter jets, including F16s. In a statement to the Russian media, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia Alexander Grushko pointed out that Western countries would have taken a huge risk if they supplied F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
Grushko said, “We see that Western countries still adhere to scenarios that will increase tensions. This carries huge risks for them. We will always consider this in our plans. We have all the necessary tools to achieve our goals,” he said.
On the other hand, US President Joe Biden said at the G7 Leaders’ Summit held in Hiroshima, Japan that he would support international efforts to train Ukrainian pilots to use F-16 warplanes. “As training progresses, we will work with our allies to determine when, by whom, and how many planes will be delivered,” said US National Security Advisor Jack Sullivan. (UAV)