Putin vows to down F‑16s if West delivers them to Ukraine
Vladimir Putin stated that Russia has no plans to attack any NATO countries, including Poland, the Baltic states, or the Czech Republic. However, he warned, "If the West delivers F-16 fighters to Ukraine, they will be shot down. We will destroy the planes, just as we destroy tanks today," said the Russian leader.
12:37 PM EDT, March 28, 2024
Many reports by Russian media or government representatives are propaganda elements. These reports are part of the information war conducted by the Russian Federation.
During a speech to Russian pilots, Vladimir Putin emphasized that he has no intention of attacking NATO countries, as reported by Reuters, citing a Kremlin statement. "We have no aggressive intentions towards these countries," the Russian leader mentioned on Wednesday. Meanwhile, Western experts caution that Russia currently poses the most significant threat and that Putin is bolstering his military capabilities.
"The notion that we will attack another country - including Poland, the Baltic countries, and the Czech Republic, which are also concerned - is complete nonsense. It's simply rubbish," Putin clarified. The leader also discussed the F-16 fighters Ukraine anticipates receiving. In his view, the aircraft promised by the West will not alter the situation in Kyiv. "Even if they deliver F-16s, as they claim and are training pilots for, it will not change the battlefield situation," he noted. "We will destroy the aircraft, just like we destroy tanks, armored vehicles, and other equipment, including missile launchers," Putin added.
Denmark to sell F-16s to Argentina, reducing the number available for Ukraine
According to reports by PAP, the Danish Air Force intends to sell 24 F-16 aircraft to Argentina as it retires them from its fleet. The defense ministers of both countries—Troels Lund Poulsen of Denmark and Luis Alfonso Petri of Argentina—signed a preliminary deal in Buenos Aires. This decision means Ukraine will receive fewer aircraft than previously promised.
The forthcoming transaction is valued at about 2.1 billion kroner. As the manufacturer of these fighters, the US has approved their sale. The agreement with Argentina implies that Denmark can provide Ukraine with no more than the 19 aircraft previously announced. The first of these is expected to be delivered to the Ukrainian air forces this summer.
When Danish journalists asked why Argentina would receive 24 aircraft instead of Ukraine, Minister Poulsen responded: Denmark has already contributed significantly, providing the Ukrainian air forces with F-16 fighters and training for Ukrainian pilots and ground staff.
Source: Reuters, PAP/naTemat
