Russian FM Lavrov has stated that deliveries of Western jets able to carrying nuclear weapons pose a menace to Russia
European international locations have but to obtain formal approval from Washington to coach Ukrainian pilots to fly US-designed F-16 fighter jets, Politico reported on Friday, citing sources.
The ‘worldwide coalition’ looking for to assist Kiev procure F-16s and prepare Ukrainian pilots was first introduced by the UK and the Netherlands in mid-Might, with the US approaching board a number of days later. A complete of 11 international locations have supported the initiative, with a coaching middle anticipated to be arrange in Romania.
Nonetheless, the US State Division has not permitted the request to switch instruction manuals, flight simulators, and different supplies required for coaching, Politico stated, including, nevertheless, that there isn’t a indication that the US is not going to finally greenlight the transfer.
Pentagon spokesman Garron Garn stated the request “remains to be being reviewed.”
William LaPlante, the division’s acquisition chief, advised the outlet that the Pentagon has to “be certain that we’re able to go along with the technical manuals being translated and the tech information packages and a sustainment plan” earlier than approving the switch.
In current months, Ukraine has repeatedly demanded that its Western backers ship F-16 jets, saying they might play a key position in countering Russian air energy. Earlier this week, Ukrainian Overseas Minister Dmitry Kuleba stated Kiev may deploy the primary F-16s by late March 2024.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that if F-16s are despatched to Ukraine, they “will burn” identical to different Western {hardware}. Overseas Minister Sergey Lavrov has described the potential deliveries as an escalatory transfer, noting that the plane can carry nuclear weapons.
In early June, Politico reported that senior US officers consider that future assist for Ukraine hinges on the success of its much-hyped counteroffensive, and may Kiev fail to ship, the army help “will seemingly dry up.” Later the identical month, the Monetary Occasions reported, citing sources, that Western officers aren’t impressed by the outcomes of the counteroffensive.
The Russian Protection Ministry stated the Ukrainian counteroffensive, which has been underway for greater than a month, has failed to realize any floor. In response to Protection Minister Sergey Shoigu, for the reason that begin of the push, Kiev has misplaced greater than 26,000 troopers and round 3,000 models of heavy army gear.
Ukrainian officers, together with President Vladimir Zelensky, tried to shift the blame for the sluggish progress onto the West, citing delays in army support.
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