Sullivan explains why Ukraine is not given F-16s before counteroffensive

The White House website shared the information. 

Sullivan noted that the approach to providing Ukraine with weapons, materials, and training at each stage met the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

"So, in the first phase, when Russian forces were bearing down on Kyiv, the key capability they needed were Stingers and Javelins. In the second phase, when it was more of a ground fight in the Donbas, the need was artillery and M777 155 ammunition. As the fight has evolved, the capabilities that we have provided Ukraine have evolved," Sullivan said. 

He added that Washington made a huge effort to ensure that Ukraine would have everything it needed for a counteroffensive this summer. 

"And that was everything from tanks to Bradley Fighting Vehicles to further HIMARS and artillery ammunition, and other capabilities. F-16s are not part of that mix. And the President was indicating that for the purposes of this counteroffensive, the F-16 capabilities, compared with everything else I said, was not at the top of the list," the advisor to Joe Biden emphasized. 

At the same time, he emphasized that the US would insist that F-16s not be used for strikes on Russian territory.  

"So, all of the capabilities that the United States has proven to Ukraine come with the basic proposition that the United States is not enabling or supporting attacks on Russian territory.  That will go for the support for the provision of F-16s by any party as well. And the Ukrainians have consistently indicated that they are prepared to follow through on that," Sullivan said. 

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

• The US and allies plan to provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets as part of long-term efforts to strengthen the country's security.