Dutch Official: Training Ukrainian Pilots for F-16s Can Begin This Summer

Russia Says Modification Can Enable The Jets To Be Equipped With Nuclear Warheads, accuses the West of seeking to escalate tensions.

NETHERLANDS - The Dutch Minister of Defense Kaysa Ollongren said that pilots from Ukraine can begin training on American-made F-16 fighter jets this summer. Russia says that a modification on the jets could enable them to be equipped with nuclear warheads, and is accusing the West of seeking to escalate tensions.

The Defense Minister said, "Ukrainian pilots can begin training this summer to fly US-made F-16 fighters. This will be the first step towards providing Ukraine with a strong and long-term potential in the war with Russia".

She also said that the training should be completed within six months’ time: