The delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine will raise the question of NATO’s involvement in the armed conflict, Russian Ambassador to the United States Anatoly Antonov said on Telegram early Monday morning.
“Ukraine does not have the infrastructure to operate the F-16, nor the required number of pilots and technicians,” Mr. Antonov said.
“What would happen if American fighters took off from NATO air bases, and foreign “volunteers” were at the helm?”
On Friday, US President Joe Biden called for the start of training programs for Ukrainian pilots and technicians for this type of fighter. His Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelenskiy assured his colleague that these planes would not operate in Russian airspace.
For his part, Mr. Antonov explained that any strike by such militants in Crimea would be perceived in Moscow as an attack on Russian territory.
“It is important that the US is fully aware of Russia’s response,” Mr. Antonov stressed.
Ukraine has stepped up its strikes, especially in Crimea, which was annexed by Russia in 2014, and in other areas recently.
Source: RES-IPE
Source: Kathimerini
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