"We need help": the Netherlands is actively discussing with the U.S., Denmark and Britain the transfer of F-16s to Ukraine, - Prime Minister

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said that the Netherlands is actively discussing with the USA, Denmark, and Britain the transfer of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. He stressed that it is necessary to help our country in the fight against the aggressor.

This is reported by Reuters. Rutte said that the Government of the Netherlands is considering the possibility of transferring F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine together with its European partners.

"We are actively discussing with Denmark, the UK, some other parties in Europe, as well as with the United States F-16s," he specified.

But first, there needs to be agreement among all partners, as they did in the past before supplying Ukraine with Panzer howitzers and Leopard tanks, he said.

"The discussion is ongoing," the Dutch prime minister added.

Notably, Rutte made this statement on the eve of a meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who is critical of the Ukrainians' armament. He said he would outline to the Brazilian leader the need to defend Ukraine in its war with Russia.

"We need to help Ukraine fight this fight," Rutte said on the first day of his visit to Brazil.

He added that he would explain to Lula that the issue of supporting Ukraine is "existential" for the Netherlands, Europe, and other countries because the Russian invasion has put Western values at stake.

"If Putin succeeds in Ukraine, it won't end, but I don't think it will. People are worried about their security in Amsterdam, Berlin, Paris, and Europe," he said.

Earlier, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba spoke about the progress in negotiations with allies regarding the provision of our country with F-16 fighter jets. Several countries have already expressed their willingness to start training Ukrainian pilots.

President of the United States of America Joe Biden is under pressure from members of his party to supply Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets and long-range missiles. This proposal is supported by some US military leaders and the Democratic Party.

As OBOZREVATEL reported, German general and former KFOR force commander Erhard Bühler called for the transfer of F-16 fighters to Ukraine. According to him, this step will help Ukrainians independently ensure the security of their country in the long term.

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