The transfer of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine will raise questions about NATO’s involvement in the conflict, Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov said in a statement published on Monday morning, Reuters and news.ro reported.

“Ukraine does not have the infrastructure for the operation of the F-16, there is not the necessary number of pilots and service personnel,” Antonov said in a message on the embassy’s Telegram channel. “What will happen if American fighters take off from NATO airfields controlled by foreign “volunteers”?”

On Friday, the United States said it would allow its Western allies to supply Ukraine with modern fighter jets, including American-made F-16s. American troops will also train pilots from Kyiv to use planes. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky assured Joe Biden that the planes will not be used to penetrate the territory of Russia.

Antonov noted that any Ukrainian attack on Crimea would be considered an attack against Russia.

“It is important that the United States is fully aware of Russia’s response,” Antonov said.