Russia Warns of "Risks to Follow" Western Push to Support Ukraine with F-16s

Russia has warned that there will be enormous risks involved if Western countries, including the United States, proceed with supporting Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets.

According to major foreign media on the 20th (local time), Aleksandr Grushko, Deputy Foreign Minister of Russia, said, "We still see the West sticking to the scenario of escalation," adding, "This entails enormous risks for themselves."

He also claimed, "In any case, it will be taken into account in all of Russia's plans," and "We have all the necessary means to achieve our goals."

Ukraine has recently received long-range missiles and modern tanks from the West and has repeatedly requested the provision of F-16 fighter jets. The United States had refused to supply modern fighter jets to Ukraine due to concerns about the possibility of escalation, but recently, with increasing pressure from allies in Europe and elsewhere, the mood has shifted toward supporting F-16 provision.

Earlier this month, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands agreed to form an international coalition to procure F-16s, and U.S. President Joe Biden decided to support F-16 pilot training for Ukrainian pilots.

There is also speculation that during the G7 summit being held in Hiroshima, Japan, a U.S.-Ukraine summit will take place, where the policy to provide F-16s will be announced.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.