F‑16s for Ukraine: Jets to be stored abroad to avoid Russian attacks

General Serhiy Holubtsov, Air Force Commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, announced that some of the F-16 fighter jets that Ukraine will receive from Western partners will be stored in safe bases outside our country's territory to avoid being targets of Russian attacks.

"Not all the planes that will be delivered to Ukraine will immediately reach Ukraine. Some will remain in training centres where our pilots and ground personnel are being prepared. These will be Ukrainian planes used for the training of our own pilots," the General said in an interview with the Donbas—Realii Radio Liberty portal.

He emphasized that part of the aircraft expected by the air force will be stored abroad.

"A certain portion of the planes will be stored in safe air bases, not in Ukraine, so they do not become a target (for Russians). This will be our reserve in case we need to replace malfunctioning planes or for repairs," informed Holubtsov.

The military official reiterated that the first batches of planes should be received by Ukraine this year.

"Which month, which day, whether it will be tomorrow or in August—I don't have the right to comment on that. According to our plans, the F-16s should be in Ukraine this year. Let us leave this intriguing information for the Russians. I think they should be the first to experience firsthand that Ukraine has F-16s," the General said.

Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, and Belgium plan to deliver more than 60 American F-16 aeroplanes to Ukraine this summer. Ukrainians claim that a larger number of F-16s will help push back Russian forces from the frontline.