We work to get Ukrainians what they need, US ambassador tells LIGA.net when asked about F-16s
The United States provides Ukraine with every capability it needs on the battlefield, the US ambassador said, without being specific on the delivery of F-16 fighter jets.
Bridget Brink was answering the question by a LIGA.net journalist, who inquired about the reasons behind the differing rhetoric of the US and Ukraine regarding the need to supply F-16s.
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"I can’t speak to that specific thing you're commenting on. What I can say is that we are working hand in glove, every day, every hour with Ukrainian partners to get them what they need on the battlefield when they need it," Ms Brink said.
"And we have done this from the beginning of the war and then we will continue to do that."
Earlier this week, a US defence department aide said that aircraft was "about eighth on the list" of Ukrainian priorities for the fight.
"And so we have focused with resources on the highest priority capabilities, and that has been air defence, artillery, and armour," Celeste Wallander told a House committee.
Ukraine has long been asking for modern fighter jets, claiming that its current Soviet-era aircraft are not capable of countering offensives of Russian forces and are too old to be combat-effective.
While such deliberations are known to be taking place, no country has so far committed to delivering Ukraine modern aircraft.
Chief of Aviation of the Ukrainian Air Force Command Brigadier General Serhii Holubtsov believes that the training programme for Ukrainian pilots on F-16s can be significantly reduced compared to standard timing.