The Netherlands has granted Ukraine permission to use F-16 fighter jets, which are set to be transferred as part of military aid, for operations against targets within Russia.
This statement was made by Dutch Defense Minister Kajsa Ollongren during an interview with Politico at the Shangri-La Dialogue summit in Singapore.
Unlike Belgium, whose Prime Minister Alexander De Croo has cautioned Kiev against using F-16s in Russian airspace, the Netherlands will impose no such restrictions. Minister Ollongren emphasized that once the aircraft are handed over, their use is at Ukraine’s discretion, urging only adherence to international law and the right to self-defense as outlined in the UN Charter.
The Netherlands plans to provide Ukraine with 24 fighter jets, with Denmark, Norway, and Belgium also committing to send F-16s. The first of these jets could be delivered as early as June or July, with Ukraine expected to receive approximately 45 aircraft in total.
