The Kremlin has expressed serious concern about the possible supply of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine from Western countries, pointing to their use in NATO military nuclear exercises. Minister of Foreign Affairs of Russia, Sergey Lavrov warned, that this move could be perceived as a nuclear threat.
According to Lavrov, the delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine shows the readiness of the US and its allies “to do anything” regarding the Ukrainian conflict. It is also seen as a signal in the nuclear sphere that requires a response from Russia.
Lavrov emphasized that the joint nuclear military exercises with Belarus were conducted with the aim of bringing the opponents to an understanding. Russia considers the supply of such military equipment as a deliberate action by NATO in the nuclear sphere, which could push it to deploy nuclear deterrent forces.
Earlier, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation stated that the US intention to provide Ukraine with fighter jets is “an example of a very dangerous development of events.”
