Netherlands Allows Ukraine to Deploy F-16s for Strikes Inside Russia
- Netherlands gives green light for Ukraine to utilize F-16 jets in attacks on Russia.
- Ukraine's Defense Minister discloses conditions for the use of 24 combat jets for strikes inside Russia.
- Tensions escalate as Kremlin warns of 'fatal consequences' in response to the decision.
The Netherlands said Ukraine can use Dutch F-16 fighter jets to attack Russia. The Kremlin warned the US about serious consequences. The Dutch Foreign Minister announced this at a NATO meeting. The US initially stopped the transfer of the jets, but later allowed it. Ukraine will get 24 F-16s after training its pilots. The Dutch Minister said Ukraine can use the jets for self-defense on Russian territory. President Biden had said the jets should only be used where Russian troops are in Ukraine, not in Russia. It's not clear if the US repeated this to the Netherlands. NATO countries agree Ukraine can use Western weapons to attack Russia. The UK, France, Poland, and Germany also support this. The US approved some weapons for use in Russia, but not long-range missiles. Ukraine reportedly used American missiles to attack Russia recently. The Russian Deputy Foreign Minister warned the US about the consequences of this escalation. The Defense Minister of the Netherlands set the condition for Ukraine to use the 24 fighter jets against Russia.