The Dutch Defense Minister reaffirmed his country’s position regarding the use of F-16 aircraft supplied to Ukraine.
In a statement to journalists before a NATO meeting in Brussels, he addressed the issue of the use of these American-made devices on Russian territory.
Ruben Breckelmans confirmed the arrival of the first Dutch F-16s in Ukraine, specifying that they were now operational in Ukrainian airspace.
He insisted on Ukraine’s respect for international law in the use of these planes, reports Ukrinform.
“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. That’s why we allow Ukraine to use the F-16 for self-defense, for example against missiles against Russian airfields,” the minister said.
“Very worrying situation”
Ruben Breckelmans also underlined the crucial importance of supporting Ukraine in the current context. “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 front line and in big cities like Kharkiv, is very worrying So I think we need to step up our efforts,” he worries.
The Dutch minister recalled the considerable financial commitment of the Netherlands to Ukraine, with a total envelope of 10.4 billion euros allocated to military aid, of which more than half still remains to be disbursed.
Belgium
