Ukraine downs Russian fighter jet with F-16 in historic first, US general says
Illustrative photo: Ukraine's Air Force has not officially reported an F-16 downing a Russian fighter (Vitalii Nosach / RBC-Ukraine)
US General Dan Caine told a Senate hearing that the Ukrainian Air Force recently achieved a historic milestone: a Ukrainian F-16 shot down a Russian fighter jet in the first known air-to-air victory by the aircraft.
What the general said about the F-16 dogfight
"Recently, we had the first air-to-air kill where a Ukrainian F-16 shot down a Russian fighter. I think their (Ukraine - ed.) ability to scale a layered defense has come along the way over the past couple of years with the help and assistance of many," Caine said.
Who the US general wants to see win the war
During the hearing, Caine was asked directly about the US position on the war.
"In the war between Russia and Ukraine, who do we want to win?" he was asked.
"I want Ukraine to win," the general replied.
When asked whether Russia is a friend of the United States, Caine was more cautious.
"I think it's a complicated relationship... But no, I don't think they're our friends," he said.
RBC-Ukraine recently explained what is included in Senator Lindsey Graham's proposed "bone-crushing sanctions" bill targeting Russia.
The White House had earlier signaled it was prepared to support the sanctions initiative. However, Axios later reported that the bill's future became uncertain because of President Donald Trump's position, as he has yet to give it his full backing.