The F16s are unlikely to be of any help in Ukraine’s ongoing counteroffensive, which, partly due to lack of air support, has been slow in making noteworthy gains.
Since F-16s are capable of carrying nuclear weapons, their deployment in Ukraine could cause “catastrophic consequences” for NATO, the Russian foreign minister warned.
Biden remains reluctant to transfer F-16s to Kyiv, but would allow other allies to do so. The problem seems to be that not a single one has requested them so far.
The UK and the Netherlands have vowed to create an international “fighter jet coalition” to help Kyiv procure F-16s and other aircraft. France and Belgium have promised to train Ukrainian pilots, however, no aircraft has been pledged so far.
