Moscow has threatened to escalate conflict with Ukraine following a donation of the first F16 fighter jets to Kyiv on Monday.
Denmark and the Netherlands announced on Monday that they had decided to donate F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. Ukraine said the jets would help end Moscow’s invasion.
“Superiority in the air is key to success on the ground,” Ukraine air force spokesman Yuriy Ihnat said.
Denmark and the Netherlands on Sunday announced they would supply F-16s to Ukraine, with the initial six due to be delivered around New Year. Washington approved the delivery of the U.S.-made jets last week.
“The fact that Denmark has now decided to donate 19 F-16 aircraft to Ukraine leads to an escalation of the conflict,” Russian ambassador Vladimir Barbin said in a statement cited by the Ritzau news agency.
“By hiding behind a premise that Ukraine itself must determine the conditions for peace, Denmark seeks with its actions and words to leave Ukraine with no other choice but to continue the military confrontation with Russia,” he said.
However, Danish Defence Minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen said Ukraine may only use the donated F-16s within its own territory.
