A bipartisan group of lawmakers is urging President Joe Biden directly to send F-16 warplanes to Ukraine, Politico reported on Feb.17 citing the letter to Biden obtained by its journalists.
"The provision of such aircraft is necessary to help Ukraine protect its airspace, particularly in light of renewed Russian offensives and considering the expected increase in large-scale combat operations," the article says referring to the lawmakers’ letter.
The message to the US president was signed by five members of the US House of Representatives. Three are Democrats and two are Republicans.
Lawmakers believe that F-16s or similar aircraft would allow the Ukrainian military to, among other things, shoot down Russian missiles and drones, provide cover for ground forces, and fight for air superiority.
"F-16s or similar fourth generation fighter aircraft would provide Ukraine with a highly mobile platform from which to target Russian air-to-air missiles and drones, to protect Ukrainian ground forces as they engage Russian troops, as well as to engage Russian fighters for contested air superiority," they argue.
On February 15, it was reported that US officials have signed $522 million contracts with two companies that will manufacture shells for the Ukrainian army.
On February 16, the European Parliament adopted a resolution to mark the anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion. Among other things, MEPs called for the delivery of fighter jets to Kyiv.