Ukraine can use the F-16 fighters handed over by the Netherlands on the territory of Russia. It is allowed to do this in Russian airspace. This was stated by the Minister of Defense of the Netherlands, Ruben Breckelmans, Ukrinform reports.
“We have delivered our first batch of F-16s. Now they are in Ukrainian airspace. And we have always said that Ukraine must comply with international law.”, he told journalists before the meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels on October 17
According to him, international law does not contain any distance restrictions.
“International law does not stop at the border or 100 km from the border. Therefore, we allow Ukraine to use the F-16 for self-defense”, – added the minister.
Breckelmans emphasized that this may be needed to intercept missiles or to strike, for example, Russian airfields.
“So, military targets. And that’s also allowed to be done on Russian territory or in Russian airspace,” Breckelmans said.
He also noted that issues related to support for Ukraine are key.
“I think that supporting Ukraine is a key priority these days. I was in Kharkiv and Kyiv ten days ago, and the situation both on the front line and in big cities like Kharkiv is very worrying. So I think we need Second, we need to talk about strengthening our defense and deterrence, because the Russian threat is only growing, and not only in the short term, but also in the long term., – said the Minister of Defense of the Netherlands.
It will be recalled that in October, Ukraine received the first F-16 fighter jets from the Netherlands. This was announced by the Minister of Defense of the Netherlands, Ruben Breckelmans, in Kharkiv. According to him, the remaining 24 planes will arrive in the coming months.
