Volodymyr Zelensky flew to the Netherlands today to sign a deal strengthening his country’s air power – after a six-year-old girl was among the victims of a brutal Russian drone attack.
The Ukrainian president travelled for talks in Eindhoven where his air force was granted F-16 fighter jets stationed in Holland and Denmark.
It followed his trip to Sweden asking for light tanks and JAS 39 Gripen jets.
The deal is a major boost for Ukraine’s counter offensive which is now in its third month.
Today Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte confirmed the Netherlands and Denmark would provide fighter jets.
Mr Rutte said that the Netherlands has 42 F-16s available in all, but it is too early to say whether all of them will be donated.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Mr Zelensky at a military air base in Eindhoven, Mr Rutte said: ‘Today, we can announce that the Netherlands and Denmark commit to the transfer of F-16 aircraft to Ukraine and the Ukrainian Air Force.’
The decision is ‘absolutely historic, powerful and inspiring for us,’ Mr Zelensky said, adding: ‘This is another step towards strengthening Ukraine’s air shield.’
PERCEPTION RESET 