The losses of the Ukrainian Air Force can no longer be replenished, Ukraine needs F-16s if it wants to have an Air Force next year. That says former army commander Mart de Kruif. According to De Kruif, US training of F-16 pilots is an escalation, but there is no other choice. “This war will last longer than this summer.”
At first the Americans were reluctant to give permission to train Ukrainian pilots, now Washington has turned around and will train pilots itself. The Kremlin will see this as confirmation that the Russian military is indeed fighting NATO. According to De Kruif, Ukraine will then adjust its airports, take care of the maintenance itself and will not fly over Russia.
Bachmoth
Meanwhile, there is still uncertainty about the situation in Bachmoet. Is the city in Russian hands or not? If you zoom out, says De Kruif, you see Russian territorial gains in Bachmut but Ukrainian territorial gains south and north of the city. At least, what’s left of the city. In De Kruif’s eyes it is therefore too early to declare victory.
De Kruif thinks it’s possible that the Wagner Group mercenary army will declare victory, be relieved by the Russians “and if it subsequently collapses, it can blame the Russian military.” “This would further strain relations within the Kremlin.”
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Source: BNR
Sharon Rock is an author and journalist who writes for 24 News Globe. She has a passion for learning about different cultures and understanding the complexities of the world. With a talent for explaining complex global issues in an accessible and engaging way, Sharon has become a respected voice in the field of world news journalism.
