Zelensky announces arrival of new F-16 jets in Ukraine

"The Russians lied that they shot down something there, but they didn't shoot anything down," Ukrainian president says

Listen to article

President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed on March 19 that Ukraine has received a new shipment F-16 fighter jets, bolstering the country's defence efforts amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.

During a briefing with reporters, Zelensky announced that several F-16s had arrived, although he did not disclose the exact number of aircraft delivered.

"The good news is that several F-16s have arrived in Ukraine," Zelensky stated. "The Russians lied that they shot down something there, but they didn't shoot anything down."

The president's comments came in response to claims made earlier by Russian media, which alleged that an F-16 had been downed in Ukraine’s Sumy Oblast. However, Ukraine's Air Force quickly refuted those claims, with spokesperson Yurii Ihnat labeling them as "propaganda."

Since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Ukrainian government has been actively seeking modern fighter jets to strengthen its air defense capabilities. The arrival of these new F-16s is seen as a significant development in Ukraine's efforts to defend against Russian missile and drone strikes.

This latest batch of fighter jets comes after months of negotiations and international cooperation.

The Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway have been among the primary contributors to Ukraine's aviation coalition, with Belgium also pledging to supply additional F-16s.

The first F-16 jets arrived in Ukraine in August 2024, following approval from Western nations.

The F-16s will be used for both defensive and offensive operations, including intercepting Russian missiles and drones, as well as launching airstrikes on Russian positions along the front lines.

These aircraft are expected to play a key role in the ongoing conflict and could significantly enhance Ukraine's ability to counter Russian air superiority.

Ukraine has long expressed the need for at least 128 F-16s to effectively challenge Russian air forces. Zelensky's administration continues to press its allies for further support, and Ukrainian pilots are currently undergoing training on the F-16s in multiple countries, including the United States.

The arrival of these fighter jets comes as Ukrainian forces persist in their efforts to reclaim territory and defend against Russian aggression.

Earlier, Zelensky held talks with Donald Trump to hear details about the US leader's call with Russia's Vladimir Putin for a lasting ceasefire to end the grinding three-year conflict.

Kyiv said Zelensky was being briefed about Tuesday's 90-minute call between Trump and Putin that saw the Kremlin leader agree to a limited 30-day halt on strikes against Ukraine's power grid.

Despite both Ukraine and Russia saying they backed a temporary truce, each accused the other of failing to adhere to halt strikes on energy infrastructure.

Ukraine's defence ministry said an overnight barrage of Russian missile and drones struck the war-battered nation, killing one person and damaging two hospitals.