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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Sunday that Ukrainian pilots have begun flying F-16 jets on missions inside the country, confirming the long-awaited arrival of U.S. fighter jets in Ukraine more than 29 months after the start of Russia’s invasion.
Shiner wrote that Ukraine’s leaders announced the use of the F-16 aircraft, which Kiev has long advocated, during a meeting with military pilots at an air base next to the two planes, with two more above them.
“The F-16s are in Ukraine. We did it. I am proud of those who control these aircraft and have already started using them for our country,” Zelensky said at a location that authorities would not disclose for security reasons.
The arrival of the aircraft, after months of waiting, is a turning point for Ukraine. It is not yet clear how many of them will be available to Ukraine and how much impact they will have on improving air defense capabilities and the situation on the battlefield. Russia is targeting bases that can accommodate them and has vowed to destroy them so that they do not affect the war.
The Lockheed Martin jets have long been on Ukraine’s wish list for their devastating power and availability. They are armed with a 20mm cannon and can carry bombs, rockets and missiles.
Zelensky told reporters on the airport runway that Ukraine still does not have enough pilots trained to fly F-16 fighter jets, nor the aircraft themselves.
“On the positive side, we expect to have more F-16s… many people are being trained,” he said. Zelensky stressed the importance of Kyiv’s allies finding ways to expand training programs and opportunities for Ukrainian pilots and engineering teams.
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