Netherlands to Allow Ukraine to Use F-16 Jets Against Russia

The Netherlands will allow Ukraine to use the F-16 fighter jets it has supplied for strikes against Russian military targets. This was announced by the country's Minister of Defence, Kajsa Ollongren, as reported by Politico.

According to the minister, Amsterdam will transfer 24 fighter jets to Kyiv and will not impose any restrictions on their use, unlike Belgium. The Prime Minister of Belgium, Alexander De Croo, had warned Ukraine at the end of May against using F-16s in Russian airspace.

“We are applying the same principle that we applied with any other supply case – when we give something to Ukraine, they are free to use it. We only ask them to respect international law and the right to self-defense as stated in the UN Charter, which means they will use it for military target selection,” Ollongren stated.

The Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs had also stated at the end of May that Ukraine would be able to use the F-16 for “self-defense.” Previously, Denmark had granted permission for the use of the fighter jets.