The West is trying to agree on the details of pilot training
Western partners are discussing but have not yet agreed on a plan to provide Ukraine with F-16s and train Ukrainian pilots to fly the fighter jets.
Politico writes about this, citing sources.
The publication notes that the Western partners have not even agreed on a plan to train Ukrainian pilots to fly the promised fighter jets, according to three U.S. officials familiar with the negotiations.
Denmark and the Netherlands lead an 11-nation coalition in support of the training, but so far no country has publicly committed aircraft to the program.
The Western discussion comes at a time when Ukraine is demanding additional military capabilities to break through Russian defenses on the battlefield.
And Ukraine is increasing pressure on its allies to provide F-16s since Russia pulled out of the grain deal.
Ukraine's Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said the planes could help protect a corridor that is vital to global food security.
Author - Olena Madiak, 26/07/2023
