The F-16s would provide sufficient air defense capabilities and allow Ukraine to open the Lviv airport.
This was stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dmytro Kuleba, during a telethon.
“By the way, if we had F-16s, and they were patrolling Ukrainian airspace, then at least the Lviv airport could be safely opened and not be worried about anything. It’s all about these delays in making the right decisions”, he said.
Kuleba recalled the history with the Patriots, which Ukraine requested at the beginning of the full-scale war and received a year later.
“If they had given it right away, much less would have been destroyed in cities and energy facilities. The same story is repeating with the F-16s. Of course, you want to come and say, ‘What are you waiting for, you will still do it anyway’. And in principle, I say that honestly. But they have their own reasoning, logic, and analysis”, Kuleba said.
Kuleba commented on Eurocontrol’s forecast of possible flight restrictions over Ukraine until 2029.
“Eurocontrol is so cautious, just in case”, he said.
According to him, everyone in Ukraine wants at least one airport to start operating.
“But it is a matter of safety and whether airlines will fly. Therefore, we are working on this and want it to happen as soon as possible. But the fact that Eurocontrol expressed a conservative position is definitely true”, the minister added.
Earlier, Kuleba noted that the transfer of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine can only begin after the United States agrees to the process, as it is their technology.
As stated by the Pentagon, modern fighter jets currently rank only eighth on the list of military equipment needs for Ukraine. Air defense systems, artillery, and armored vehicles are currently higher priorities.
Photo: open sources
