Group of MEPs calls on EU leaders to speed up F-16 delivery to Ukraine
Thirty members of the European Parliament have called on the leaders of the EU member states to support the acceleration of the supply of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
This is reported with reference to Czech MEP Tomáš Zdechovský on Twitter.
"Providing Ukraine with these advanced aircraft will significantly enhence its air defense, ensure better citizens’ protection and deter further aggression," the MEPs' letter reads.
It also emphasizes that fighter jets are needed to "bolster Ukraine's defense and offensive capabilities."
The letter says that in the context of the Ukrainian Armed Forces' counteroffensive, it is very important that aviation protect ground troops. At the same time, without Western fighters, the previously provided assistance may not reach its potential.
As a reminder, Western countries have agreed to start training Ukrainian pilots on F-16s. This happened after U.S. President Joe Biden supported the initiative.
Training of Ukrainian pilots is expected to begin in August. So far, no country has announced the delivery of F-16s to Ukraine.
Author – Anastasiya Glotova, 20/07/2023
