Ukrainian and Dutch Foreign Ministers discuss expanding F-16 program and strengthening Ukraine's air defense
Photo: Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
On Tuesday, August 20, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba spoke with his Dutch counterpart Caspar Veldkamp. They discussed F-16 fighter jets and air defense systems for Ukraine, according to Kuleba's post on X.
"We discussed the development of the F-16 program for Ukraine, as well as efforts to provide additional air defense," Kuleba noted.
Officials also coordinated further steps to expand the global coalition in support of the Peace Formula.
"Ukraine remains focused on restoring just and lasting peace. I am grateful to the Netherlands for its support," the Minister added.
F-16 for Ukraine
In July, Ukraine received the first F-16 fighter jets from the Netherlands. At the time, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the number of F-16s already in Ukraine was not enough, but that Ukraine was waiting for additional aircraft from partners.
Read more about this, how many fighters are needed to close the skies, and why Ukraine needs F-16s, in the material by RBC-Ukraine.
The Wall Street Journal wrote that the United States could expand training for Ukrainian pilots on F-16s. There are several options for this.
