Symbolism of providing Ukraine with F-16 

Initially, the West firmly denies providing arms, but then their stance gradually softens, leading to the training of personnel and eventual provision of weapons. Why does the West act this way?

The underlying reason is that the acquisition of advanced weaponry serves as a signal directed towards Russia. It is important to note that the West's primary strategy is to compel Russia to acknowledge its inability to achieve victory and come to the negotiation table. Therefore, the provision of arms packages and the manner in which they are provided are intended to convince Putin that his chances of success are limited. Only when Putin demonstrates complete disregard to these efforts do we witness the provision of weapons.

“The F-16 is an attempt to show Putin the futility of future military campaigns. The Kremlin is already not capable of offensive operations today, but the prospect of Ukraine receiving F-16 means that it will lose such chances for the autumn-winter campaign as well”

As of now, the F-16 is an attempt to show Putin the futility of future military campaigns. The Kremlin is already not capable of offensive operations today, but the prospect of Ukraine getting the F-16 means that it will lose such chances for the fall-winter campaign as well, if it suddenly gains strength.

It is important that this hopelessness, among other things, should influence Putin's entourage, and they should think about where all this is going. 

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About the author. Viktor Andrusiv, political and public figure, analyst, and publicist

The editors do not always share the opinions expressed by the blog authors.