Zelenskyy announces new aid from Netherlands to boost F-16s and counter jet-powered drones
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (facebook.com_zelenskyy.official)
The Netherlands will help Ukraine improve the effectiveness of its F-16 fighter jets in shooting down Russian jet-powered Shahed drones, as well as contribute to protecting critical infrastructure and strengthening air defense, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said after his conversation with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten.
The head of state emphasized that a significant percentage of Russian jet-powered drones are shot down by fighter jets provided to Ukraine by the Netherlands.
"A significant share of these drones are shot down specifically by the F-16s that the Netherlands transferred to Ukraine, and there are opportunities to support their operation with the necessary means," the president said.
The two sides discussed technical capabilities to support the operation of these aircraft with the necessary equipment, as well as additional steps to protect Ukraine's critical infrastructure and strengthen air defense.
"I briefed Rob on our contacts with the American team and potential trilateral meetings at the technical level between Ukraine, America, and Russia. Realistic proposals that can bring peace closer are important," Zelenskyy added.
Belgium plans to approve the transfer of three F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine in the near future. The procedure requires France's approval because French electronic warfare systems are installed on the aircraft.
Zelenskyy has said that F-16s are effectively shooting down Russian jet-powered drones, but a significant number of the fighter jets have been undergoing repairs in the EU for an extended period.
