Putin Warns F-16 Fighters Could Carry Nuclear Weapons, Vows to Destroy Them

During a gathering with military pilots, President Vladimir Putin issued a stern warning regarding the potential supply of F-16 fighters to Ukraine by Western countries. He stated that the introduction of these aircraft would not change the situation on the battlefield, as reported by Russian news agencies on Wednesday.

Despite downplaying the immediate impact of the F-16s, Putin emphasized that these fighters could be equipped with nuclear weapons. He cautioned that Moscow would need to consider this capability in its military planning, altering the strategic landscape.

Legitimate Targets

Putin made it clear that if the F-16 fighters were to be deployed from airfields in third countries, they would become legitimate targets for Russia, regardless of their location. This underscores the gravity with which Moscow views the potential supply of these advanced aircraft to Ukraine.

Response to Ukrainian Request

Putin's remarks came in response to earlier statements by Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba, who indicated the imminent arrival of F-16s in Ukraine in the coming months. The request for these fighters has been a longstanding one, with Ukraine seeking support in its ongoing conflict with Russia.

International Support

Several Western countries, including Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and the Netherlands, have pledged to donate F-16s to Ukraine. Additionally, a coalition of nations has committed to providing training for Ukrainian pilots to operate these advanced aircraft, underscoring the broad international support for Ukraine in the face of ongoing hostilities with Russia.

These developments further underscore the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region, as tensions continue to escalate in the broader context of international relations.