Biden: Zelenskyy Assures Ukraine Will Not Deploy F-16 Planes to Enter Russia

During a press conference in Hiroshima, Japan, following a meeting of world leaders, US President Joe Biden stated on Sunday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had given him a “clear assurance” that Ukraine would not employ Western-provided F-16 fighter jets to enter Russian territory.

Biden mentioned that F-16 warplanes could be employed “wherever Russian troops are within Ukraine and the area.” He expressed doubt that the planes would be utilized in any Ukrainian offensive in the upcoming weeks. However, he acknowledged the possibility that Ukrainian troops might require such weapons to defend themselves against Russian forces beyond their current reach.

The leaders of the Group of Seven (G7) wealthiest democracies declared their unwavering support for Ukraine as a warning to Russian President Vladimir Putin, who claimed to have captured the eastern city of Bakhmut, a claim refuted by Kyiv.

During the final day of the G7 summit, Biden announced a military aid package worth $375 million for Ukraine, including artillery and armored vehicles.

While Kyiv has not secured public commitments for the delivery of F-16 fighter jets, Biden informed G7 leaders that Washington supports joint training programs for Ukrainian pilots on F-16s.

Zelenskyy expressed confidence on Sunday that Ukraine would receive F-16 fighter jets from Western nations after months of lobbying for the aircraft.

Biden confirmed that he discussed the matter with Zelenskyy during their private meeting. He noted that F-16s would not have aided Ukrainian forces in the context of Bakhmut but could “significantly impact their ability to handle future challenges.”