Biden approves training Ukrainians on F-16s, Zelenskyy promises him not to use them on Russian territory

He said this at a briefing.

“Training for Ukrainian pilots will begin on 4th generation aircraft, including F-16s, to support Ukraine and its ability to defend itself even better than before,” Biden said.

The US president explained that F-16s are not currently needed for combat operations in Ukraine.

“As for F-16s, they are not needed, for example, in Bakhmut. They will not bring any additional benefit there. Ukraine already has all the weapons it needs, including tanks,” the president said.

Nevertheless, he explained that these aircraft will be needed in further battles.

“I do not think that F-16s will take part in combat operations now. A counteroffensive will begin in the near future, and if it is successful, then we will need to fight the Russians, who are based at a great distance, for which the range of the current tanks is not enough,” Biden said.

According to the US president, Zelenskyy assured that Ukraine will not use F-16s to enter the 'geographical territory of the Russian Federation,' but where there are Russian troops on Ukrainian territory, Ukraine's defenders will use them.

• US President Joe Biden said during the G7 summit that the US does not mind training Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets.