Introduction

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg recently discussed the possibility of supplying combat aircraft to Kyiv. While the final decision has not been made, Stoltenberg did not rule out the possibility.

Stoltenberg’s Statement

In an interview with Dagbladet TV, Stoltenberg stated, “It is quite possible, except that there is no final decision on this issue.”

Training of Ukrainian Pilots

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that the training of Ukrainian pilots would begin this month. The Ukrainian Defense Ministry estimates that the training program will take at least 6 months and may be held in Denmark or the Netherlands. By the spring of 2024, Ukrainian pilots are expected to be able to fly F-16s over Ukraine.

Russian Concerns

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has expressed concerns about the United States and its NATO allies potentially creating a direct armed clash with Russia, which could have catastrophic consequences. Lavrov also warned that if Kiev acquires aircraft capable of carrying nuclear weapons, Russia will consider it a Western nuclear threat.

Source

Source: News