NATO leaders from 32 countries gathered in Washington D.C. from July 9th to 11th to commemorate the 75th anniversary of NATO’s establishment and prepare to announce new aid for Ukraine. At the summit, countries like the Netherlands and Denmark are delivering American-made F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
United States Secretary of State Blinken announced on Wednesday that the first batch of F-16s from the Netherlands and Denmark had set off for Ukraine.
President Biden of the United States, Prime Minister Dick Schoof of the Netherlands, and Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen of Denmark released a joint statement on Wednesday, stating that with the support of the United States, the Danish and Dutch governments are donating American-made F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. The transportation of these jets is currently underway, and Ukraine will begin using the F-16s this summer.
“For operational security reasons, we are currently unable to provide more details,” the statement said. “We are committed to further enhancing Ukraine’s air capabilities. This includes modern fourth-generation F-16 multi-role aircraft squadrons.”
Ukraine has been urging Western countries to provide F-16s to strengthen its defense capabilities. Denmark has pledged to donate 19 F-16s, while the Netherlands has pledged to donate 24. F-16 fighter jets are capable of carrying bombs, rockets, and missiles.
Norway announced on Wednesday that in order to help Ukraine fend off Russian attacks, Norway will donate 6 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
“Combined with air defense systems, these jets are crucial for Ukraine to fend off Russian air raids,” Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere said.
Ukrainian President Zelensky expressed gratitude on social media for the assistance of various countries in providing F-16 fighter jets.
“I thank the United States, Denmark, and the Netherlands for taking practical steps to achieve the goal of all Ukrainians: strengthening Ukraine’s air force with F-16s,” Zelensky wrote. “I thank Belgium and Norway for committing to provide us with F-16 fighter jets. This is a clear signal that Russia’s ability to intimidate the Ukrainian people, cities, and communities will continue to weaken.”
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg stated on Wednesday morning that it is expected that NATO member countries will reach a “substantial” package deal on the Ukraine issue and expand other partnerships, especially in the Asia-Pacific region.
For the third consecutive year, NATO leaders invited Pacific partners Australia, Japan, New Zealand, and South Korea to participate in the NATO leaders’ summit.
Stoltenberg outlined several points he hopes member countries will reach consensus on at the summit, including delivering F-16 aircraft systems; establishing a NATO command center to provide security assistance and training to Ukraine; drafting bilateral security agreements between NATO member countries and Ukraine; establishing a joint training center in Poland; ensuring comprehensive aid plans and ensuring coordination between the Ukrainian military and NATO.