٠٠:٠٢:٠٥Mandatory credit: US State Department
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that F-16 fighter jets from Denmark and the Netherlands would be heading to Ukraine in the coming weeks while speaking at the NATO Public Forum in Washington DC on Wednesday, on the sidelines of the annual alliance summit.
"Those jets will be flying in the skies of Ukraine this summer to make sure that Ukraine continues to effectively defend itself against Russian aggression," the US diplomat said.
Blinken said that an 'incredibly robust package' would be unveiled by NATO in the 'next couple of days', which will build a 'well-lit bridge' to Ukraine's membership in the alliance. He also warned that Russia will not 'outlast' Kiev and its partners.
"President Biden brought together more than 30 countries to negotiate and now sign these bilateral security agreements. What does that mean? It means that for the next decade, country after country has vowed to help Ukraine build its deterrent and defence capacity," he continued.
Meanwhile, Dutch and Danish officials issued a statement confirming that the transfer process of F-16 fighters was 'now underway' with the donations set to arrive 'this summer'.
"We are committed to further enhancing Ukraine's air capabilities, which will include squadrons of modern fourth-generation F-16 multi-role aircraft. The coalition intends to support their sustainment and armament, as well as further associated training for pilots," the statement added.
Ukraine has repeatedly called for the aerial capabilities, while Moscow has accused NATO of escalating the hostilities and bringing the alliance into 'direct conflict' with Russia.
Blinken's comments came on the sidelines of the three-day NATO summit in Washington DC, which marks the alliance's 75th anniversary. The 'well-lit bridge' analogy is favoured by Washington, although reports ahead of the meeting have suggested that Ukraine could be told it is 'too corrupt' to join the alliance at present time.
F-16s will be 'flying the skies of Ukraine this summer' - Blinken promises 'robust package' and 'well-lit bridge to NATO membership'
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that F-16 fighter jets from Denmark and the Netherlands would be heading to Ukraine in the coming weeks while speaking at the NATO Public Forum in Washington DC on Wednesday, on the sidelines of the annual alliance summit.
"Those jets will be flying in the skies of Ukraine this summer to make sure that Ukraine continues to effectively defend itself against Russian aggression," the US diplomat said.
Blinken said that an 'incredibly robust package' would be unveiled by NATO in the 'next couple of days', which will build a 'well-lit bridge' to Ukraine's membership in the alliance. He also warned that Russia will not 'outlast' Kiev and its partners.
"President Biden brought together more than 30 countries to negotiate and now sign these bilateral security agreements. What does that mean? It means that for the next decade, country after country has vowed to help Ukraine build its deterrent and defence capacity," he continued.
Meanwhile, Dutch and Danish officials issued a statement confirming that the transfer process of F-16 fighters was 'now underway' with the donations set to arrive 'this summer'.
"We are committed to further enhancing Ukraine's air capabilities, which will include squadrons of modern fourth-generation F-16 multi-role aircraft. The coalition intends to support their sustainment and armament, as well as further associated training for pilots," the statement added.
Ukraine has repeatedly called for the aerial capabilities, while Moscow has accused NATO of escalating the hostilities and bringing the alliance into 'direct conflict' with Russia.
Blinken's comments came on the sidelines of the three-day NATO summit in Washington DC, which marks the alliance's 75th anniversary. The 'well-lit bridge' analogy is favoured by Washington, although reports ahead of the meeting have suggested that Ukraine could be told it is 'too corrupt' to join the alliance at present time.
Mandatory credit: US State Department
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced that F-16 fighter jets from Denmark and the Netherlands would be heading to Ukraine in the coming weeks while speaking at the NATO Public Forum in Washington DC on Wednesday, on the sidelines of the annual alliance summit.
"Those jets will be flying in the skies of Ukraine this summer to make sure that Ukraine continues to effectively defend itself against Russian aggression," the US diplomat said.
Blinken said that an 'incredibly robust package' would be unveiled by NATO in the 'next couple of days', which will build a 'well-lit bridge' to Ukraine's membership in the alliance. He also warned that Russia will not 'outlast' Kiev and its partners.
"President Biden brought together more than 30 countries to negotiate and now sign these bilateral security agreements. What does that mean? It means that for the next decade, country after country has vowed to help Ukraine build its deterrent and defence capacity," he continued.
Meanwhile, Dutch and Danish officials issued a statement confirming that the transfer process of F-16 fighters was 'now underway' with the donations set to arrive 'this summer'.
"We are committed to further enhancing Ukraine's air capabilities, which will include squadrons of modern fourth-generation F-16 multi-role aircraft. The coalition intends to support their sustainment and armament, as well as further associated training for pilots," the statement added.
Ukraine has repeatedly called for the aerial capabilities, while Moscow has accused NATO of escalating the hostilities and bringing the alliance into 'direct conflict' with Russia.
Blinken's comments came on the sidelines of the three-day NATO summit in Washington DC, which marks the alliance's 75th anniversary. The 'well-lit bridge' analogy is favoured by Washington, although reports ahead of the meeting have suggested that Ukraine could be told it is 'too corrupt' to join the alliance at present time.