Russia on Monday condemned Denmark and the Netherlands’ decision to donate F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, warning that the move would escalate the conflict, Reuters and Agerpres reported.

Ukrainian pilot on the Donetsk frontPhoto: Yevhen Maloletka / AP / Profimedia

On Sunday, Denmark and the Netherlands announced the delivery of F-16s to Ukraine, with the first six to be delivered around the New Year.

“The fact that Denmark has now decided to donate 19 F-16 aircraft to Ukraine leads to an escalation of the conflict,” Russian Ambassador Volodymyr Barbin said in a statement quoted by Danish news agency Ritzau.

“Under the guise that Ukraine must determine the terms of peace itself, Denmark, by its actions and words, is trying to leave Ukraine with no other option but to continue the military confrontation with Russia,” he added.

According to Danish Defense Minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen, Ukraine can use the donated F-16 aircraft only on its territory.

“We donate weapons on the condition that they will be used to expel the enemy from the territory of Ukraine. And no further than that,” Ellemann-Jensen said on Monday.

“It’s the conditions, whether it’s tanks, or fighter jets, or whatever,” he noted.

In total, Denmark will deliver 19 aircraft. The Netherlands has a total of 42 F-16s, but has not yet decided whether all of them will be transferred.

On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyi said that these planes will strengthen Ukraine’s air defense and help in a counteroffensive against Russian forces.

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