Speaking at the NATO Public Forum on the sidelines of the bloc’s 75th anniversary summit in Washington on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, Antony Blinken disclosed that NATO allies have begun the promised transfer of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine to bolster its defences against Russia.
The aircrafts had been promised to Ukraine, but delivery was yet to be confirmed.
“As we speak, the transfer of F-16 jets is under way, coming from Denmark, coming from the Netherlands,” the US Secretary of State said.
“Those jets will be flying in the skies of Ukraine this summer to make sure that Ukraine can continue to effectively defend itself against Russian aggression,” Blinken stated.
Blinken did not identify the number of F-16s being sent to Ukraine from the Netherlands and Denmark.
A joint statement from Washington, the Hague and Copenhagen noted that other details are being withheld for “operational security.”
Blinken also noted the work that NATO Allies have done to put together more air defense systems for Ukraine, particularly Patriots, but also many other systems because “that’s the key to so many things.”
“It’s the key to defending Ukraine’s infrastructure. The key to defending its people. It’s the key to defending its forces. It’s also the key to making sure that we are unblocking the private sector and economic investment in Ukraine that will also be essential to Ukraine’s successful movement forward.”
Antony Blinken
Blinken emphasized that people make investment in secure environments, so the announced air defense systems have been “job number one for Ukraine and as a result for the Alliance that is supporting it.”
Blinken said that a robust package for Ukraine will be unveiled over the next couple of days that will build a clear and strong bridge for Ukraine’s NATO membership.
Additionally, he asserted that the transfer of the jets should be a signal to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“It concentrates Vladimir Putin’s mind on the fact that he will not outlast Ukraine, he will not outlast us and, if he persists, the damage that will continue to be done to Russia and its interests will only deepen.”
Antony Blinken
“The quickest way to get to peace is through a strong Ukraine,” the U.S Secretary of state averred.
Lloyd Austin, the US Defence Secretary, also made comments at the NATO public forum.
He said that the alliance will continue implementing its new plans, which will improve its ability to deter and defend against any new threat.
Austin stressed that the alliance will work to endorse a pledge to expand industrial capacity, which would help scale up military production and send a long-term signal to industry.
He also said the alliance will deepen cooperation to support Ukraine’s self-defence.
Zelenskyy Expresses Gratitude To NATO Allies
Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked NATO counties for strengthening his country’s air forces with F-16 jets.
“I am grateful to the United States, Denmark, and the Netherlands for taking practical steps to achieve the goal of all Ukrainians: to strengthen the Ukrainian air force with F-16s,” he said.
He stated, “This is a clear signal that Russia’s ability to terrorize Ukrainian people, cities, and communities will continue to reduce.”
He added that F-16s would be used to bolster Ukraine’s air defence and protect Ukrainians from attacks such as this week’s attack on the Okhmatdyt children’s hospital in Kyiv.
“I anticipate that our air force capability coalition will be strengthened even further through the joining of new participants. F-16s bring just and lasting peace closer, demonstrating that terror must fail everywhere and at any time.”
Volodymyr Zelenskyy
“Our team continues to work in Washington to reach agreements that are strengthening Ukraine’s defense capabilities,” he added.
