"We are talking": the Pentagon named "red lines" in the use of F-16s for Ukraine

US Department of Defense spokesman Major General Patrick Ryder has named "red lines" for Ukraine's use of F-16 fighter jets. He noted that the West believes that these aircraft can only be used within the sovereign territory of Ukraine to protect its borders.

Patrick Ryder said this in an interview with Radio Liberty. The air coalition, which was created by Western partners to support Ukraine, is now focusing on providing Ukrainian pilots with the training necessary to operate these aircraft to eventually deliver F-16s to Ukraine.

"What we're talking about here is providing Ukraine with a unique air capability, again, that is designed to focus on Ukraine's defense of its sovereign territory within Ukraine's sovereign borders," said Patrick Ryden.

Earlier it was reported that Western partners promised to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighters at the end of 2023, but the delivery date was constantly postponed. Now it is already July 2024. At the same time, the Ukrainian army can only count on 6 out of 45 promised aircraft by the middle of this year.

As a reminder, Ukrainian Air Force spokesman Yurii Ihnat said that Ukrainian pilots and engineers continue training on American F-16 fighters. The pilots are already practicing tactical techniques, including targeting. The process of transition to new combat aircraft cannot be quick, but Ukraine is doing everything to speed it up.

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