Vladimir Putin offers stern warning to NATO over F-16s in the Ukraine war

NEW DELHI:

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Russia will target and destroy any F-16 fighter jets that may be sent to Ukraine, just as it has done with other military hardware supplied by the West. Although no F-16s have yet been sent, conversations are ongoing among a number of NATO nations regarding the donation of F-16s to Kiev and the training of Ukrainian pilots.

Putin claimed that the possible deployment of F-16 aircraft into the fight will not change the nature of the battlefield during his tour to the Torzhok Air Base in the Tver Region. "I think you know better than others that this will not change the situation on the battlefield if they deliver the F-16s," he said. "And just as we have destroyed tanks, armored vehicles, and other equipment, including multiple launch rocket systems, we will destroy these planes as well." His remarks highlight Russia's determination to stop what it sees as unjustifiable intensification of the continuing war in Ukraine.

F-16s as legitimate targets

The Russian leader went on to say that the F-16s would be fair game for Russian forces to attack if Ukrainian pilots flew these aircraft out of facilities in third-world nations. Putin clarified, underlining the grave consequences of using these planes in or close to a combat zone: "Of course, if they are used from airfields of third countries, they become a legitimate target for us, wherever they are located." Putin also mentioned that Russia will consider this when formulating its military strategy, pointing out that the F-16, an aircraft originally created in the 1970s, is capable of carrying nuclear weapons.

Challenges for Ukraine's Air Force

The topic of F-16s is being discussed at a time when the air force of Ukraine has lost a great deal over the last two years, including jets from the Soviet era that were supplied by many NATO nations. There is conjecture on the viability of the improved F-16 fighters being sought by the Ukrainian government as replacements, considering that the country lacks clean runways. This has given rise to speculation that F-16s flown by the Ukrainians may instead be stationed in nearby NATO nations. Putin's warnings, which have ramifications for the parties involved on a political and strategic level, highlight the intricacies and heightened tensions surrounding military support for Ukraine.