The possibility for the Ukrainians to use the F-16s provided to them to hit targets even on Russian territory is offered by the Danes, as Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen made clear, speaking on the doorstep of the EU Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels.
“The short answer is yes (regarding the possibility of F-16 attacks on Russian territory – ed.). This is not a new position, it is part of our contribution to Kiev’s efforts.
When we discussed this with the Foreign Affairs Committee in the Danish Parliament, we made it very clear from the beginning – that this is part of self-defence, which will probably also involve attacks on military facilities on Russian territory,” the Danish minister noted.
It is noted that Denmark, which is one of the initiators of the so-called air coalition for Ukraine, plans to send F-16s to Kiev as early as this summer. The Netherlands will deliver such aircraft to Ukraine later in the autumn.
On 16 May, Denmark announced a new €750 million military aid package for Ukraine.
The package will be aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s air defence and artillery capabilities. Denmark is also exploring opportunities for investment in the Ukrainian defence industry.