'F16s Will Give New Confidence To Our Fighters And Civilians'

UKRAINE'S president sat in the cockpit of an F-16 fighter as he warned Russia the jets' arrival from Denmark and the Netherlands can herald "new results" in the war.

-  Mark Reynolds

Dozens of the American aircraft are set to be sent to Kyiv after long negotiations between the US and the two European countries.

During a visit to a Danish military base yesterday, Volodymyr Zelensky inspected the jets and said they could have a game-changing effect on the conflict.

He said: "F-16s will certainly give new energy, confidence and motivation to fighters and civilians.

"I'm sure it will deliver new results for Ukraine and Europe." The first aircraft are expected to arrive by the new year.

Ukraine said some of its pilots were already in training, but it could take up to six months for staff to adapt to the new aircraft.

The pledge by the Netherlands and Denmark comes a few days after Washington approved the possible delivery of the fighter jets by the two countries.

Mr Zelensky called the decision a "breakthrough agreement" and said the planes would help strengthen Ukraine's air defences and its counter-offensive.

Denmark will deliver 19 jets in all, with the first six due to be shipped to Ukraine by the start of next year followed by eight more in 2024 and five the following year.

Confirming the decision, Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said: "Please take this donation as a token of Denmark's unwavering support for your country's fight for freedom.