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The Netherlands and Denmark have announced they will give F16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
Kyiv has been appealing for the planes for some time, to give it increased aerial capabilities.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is visiting the Netherlands, said it was a “historic”‘ announcement and praised prime minister Mark Rutte for offering the aircraft.
The leaders inspected two F-16s parked in a hangar in the southern city of Eindhoven.
While Mr Zelenskyy said on Telegram that his country would be receiving 42 jets, the Netherlands and Denmark, in a joint statement, did not specify numbers.
“The F-16s will not help immediately now with the war effort,” Mr Rutte said.
“It is, anyway, a long-term commitment from the Netherlands. We want them to be active and operational as soon as possible… not for the next month – that’s impossible – but hopefully soon afterward.”
Danish Defence Minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen said: “It makes me proud that Denmark, together with the Netherlands, will donate F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine’s fight for freedom against Russia and its senseless aggression.
“Denmark’s support for Ukraine is unwavering, and with the donation of F-16 aircraft, Denmark is now leading the way.”
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