Ukraine can use F-16s transferred by Netherlands for strikes on Russian territory - Defense Minister Brekelmans
Dutch Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans reaffirmed Ukraine's right to use the F-16 fighter jets provided by the Netherlands to strike at Russian territory in defence.
According to Censor.NET, citing Ukrinform, he said this in a commentary to journalists before the meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels on 17 October.
"We have delivered our first batch of F-16s. They are now in Ukrainian airspace. And we have always said that Ukraine must comply with international law. And international law does not contain any distance restrictions. International law does not stop at the border or 100 km from the border," Brekelmans said.
"That is why we allow Ukraine to use F-16s for self-defence. It may be needed to intercept missiles or to strike, for example, at Russian airfields. So, military targets. And this is also allowed to be done on the territory of Russia or in Russian airspace," Brekelmans emphasised.
He also noted that the issue of support for Ukraine is key.
"I think supporting Ukraine is a key priority these days. I was in Kharkiv and Kyiv ten days ago, and the situation both on the frontline and in big cities like Kharkiv is very worrying. So I think we need to step up our efforts. Secondly, we need to talk about strengthening our defence and deterrence, because the Russian threat is only growing, not only in the short term, but also in the long term," the Dutch Defence Minister said.
As a reminder, during his visit to Ukraine on 6 October, Defence Minister Brekelmans officially confirmed that the first F-16 fighter jets from the Netherlands had arrived in Ukraine.
