Belgium has pledged to send over two dozen F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine as part of a nearly €1 billion military support package. This commitment was announced during Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to Brussels, where he met with Prime Minister Alexander De Croo. The leaders signed a “bilateral security and long-term support agreement” that includes the provision of 30 US-made F-16 fighter jets to be delivered to Ukraine incrementally until 2028.
Kyiv has been lobbying for Western supporters to donate F-16 jets since the start of the conflict with Russia, citing their vital role in countering the Russian aerial threat. This development comes as Russian troops are reportedly amassing on the Ukrainian border, prompting concerns of new offensive operations, particularly around the Kharkiv region.
Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib confirmed that the first batch of F-16s would arrive “by the end of the year.” Ukraine has expressed a need for 120 to 130 F-16s to effectively combat the Russian air fleet. However, the 30 jets promised by Belgium, although falling short of this figure, signal a significant step towards enhancing Ukraine’s aerial capabilities.
Belgian Prime Minister De Croo stated, “These F-16 jets will be provided to Ukraine as soon as possible. Our aim is to be able to provide first aircraft before the end of this year, 2024.” He also made it clear that the fighter jets are intended strictly for use on Ukrainian territory.
The deal has not been devoid of political implications, with Belgium’s commitment arriving shortly before a federal election which could see a shift in the country’s political landscape. Despite this, Belgium’s current administration has shown its intent to support Ukraine against the continued Russian aggression.
President Zelensky, in his statement, thanked Belgium for its military support, emphasizing the importance of modern weaponry in the face of Russian advances. He also expressed concerns over the potential impact of President Joe Biden’s absence from the upcoming peace summit in Switzerland, suggesting that it would play into Russian President Vladimir Putin’s hands.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg has highlighted that air defense remains Ukraine’s “most urgent need.” Other countries, including the Netherlands, are looking into supplying Patriot missile systems to Ukraine, underscoring the escalating need for defensive measures against Russian airstrikes.
Relevant articles:
– Ukraine-Russia war live: Putin’s troops ‘massing on border’ as intense fighting continues around Kharkiv , The Independent, 05/28/2024
– Belgium to deliver first F-16s to Ukraine this year — with strings attached, POLITICO Europe, 05/28/2024
– Ukraine Gets F-16 Fighter Jet Boost From NATO Ally, Newsweek, 05/28/2024
– Ukraine updates: Belgium to deliver 30 F, DW (English), 05/28/2024
– Ukraine, Belgium announce $1 billion military aid deal with pledge of 30 F-16 jets, Voice of America – VOA News, 05/28/2024
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