The decision to equip Ukraine with an F-16 raises tensions between Russia and the West

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg assessed the decision by the US and some Western countries to deliver F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, which is at war with Russia, as a “good idea” and said helping Ukraine to defend itself would not make NATO a party to the conflict.

Stoltenberg attended the meeting of defense ministers of the EU countries in Brussels. In response to questions from journalists before the meeting, Stoltenberg said that he will exchange views with EU defense ministers on how to increase and accelerate military support for Ukraine.

Asked if he thinks the decision to give Ukraine F-16 fighter jets a good idea, Stoltenberg said: “I think it’s a good idea. I also welcome the decision of some NATO countries (Ukraine) to start training pilots, including Germany.”

Jens Stoltenberg said: “Ukraine has the right to defend itself. The right to self-defense is enshrined in the UN Charter. We help Ukraine to exercise this right. It is our right to help them protect UN norms and international law from attack. This does not make NATO and its NATO allies parties to the conflict,” he said.

KREMLIN: THE WEST IS IN CONFLICT

Kremlin spokesman Dmitriy Peskov said that the delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine will not radically change the situation at the front.

Peskov made a statement to reporters in the capital, Moscow. Assessing the possibility of supplying Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets, Peskov said: “This risk is obvious. There are more and more advanced weapon types and systems available. Obviously, the decision was made to give planes as well. “As with other types of weapons, this cannot radically change the situation at the front,” he said.

Peskov stated that Western countries are increasingly involved in conflicts.

Dmitriy Peskov also noted the following regarding the entry of the Ukrainian sabotage group into the Belgorod region of Russia:

“What happened has raised deep concerns. This once again confirms that Ukrainian militants continue their activities against our country. This situation requires a lot of effort on our part. We continue our efforts to prevent similar incidents in the future and the special military operation continues.” (AA)