The Netherlands is preparing to transfer F-16 fighters to Ukraine

Mark Rutte stressed that delivery will only be carried out if other conditions are met, including requirements for personnel and infrastructure.

The Dutch government has decided to prepare the first 18 F-16 fighters for transfer to Ukraine. Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte wrote about this on Twitter on Friday, December 22.

He said that in the morning he held talks with President Vladimir Zelensky. Among the main issues was the decision of the European Council to begin negotiations on the integration of Ukraine into the European Union.

“I am amazed by the progress Ukraine has made, and the Netherlands is ready to help Ukraine as it continues to work on the reforms required by the accession process,” Rutte said, adding that Amsterdam will make every effort to reach an agreement on EU financial support for Ukraine in meeting time in February 2024.

The Prime Minister informed the President about the decision of the Dutch government to prepare the first F-16 fighters for transfer to Ukraine.

“In addition to the export permit, in order for the delivery to take place, a number of other criteria must be met, including personnel and infrastructure requirements. This decision confirms the Netherlands' continued commitment to providing Ukraine with the support it needs to respond to ongoing Russian aggression,” Rutte added.

In turn, Vladimir Zelensky thanked the Dutch government for its decision on the F-16, as well as active support for the start of negotiations on Ukraine’s accession to the EU. In particular, he noted the importance of promptly providing our country with long-term EU assistance in the amount of 50 billion euros.

“This decision (EU assistance of 50 billion euros - ed.) will not only contribute to strengthening our defense and macroeconomic resilience, it will demonstrate the steadfastness of the support from the European Union and can become a driver for the adoption of similar decisions by our other partners,” he said Zelensky.

The politicians also discussed developments at the front, the situation in the Black Sea and Ukraine's current military needs, including artillery, drones and air defense;

Zelensky and Rutte agreed to continue working together on security guarantees in accordance with the G7 Vilnius Declaration.

“We also discussed the next meeting of advisers on the Peace Formula and efforts to further consolidate international support for the Ukrainian vision of a just world,” the president added.

Let us remind you that the Netherlands promised 42 F-16 fighters for Ukraine. In turn, Denmark will provide 19 aircraft, six of them by the end of this year. The transfer of F-16s was also announced by Norway, which has about 60 such aircraft.