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Ukrainian diplomats in the United States are actively working to expand F-16 fighter pilot training and aircraft maintenance personnel training. Ukraine’s Ambassador to the United States, Oksana Markarova, announced this on Ukrainian television, commenting on the potential transfers from the latest U.S. military aid package, according to Ukrinform.
“2024 is the year when we will have this [F-16 jet] capability and it will be used on the battlefield. We are currently working on a rapid increase in the number of training sessions for maintenance personnel and, of course, on getting the delivery of aircraft closer,” Markarova stated.
She added that “the coming months will show a serious increase” in the supply of weapons to the front lines and air defense systems for the protection of Ukrainian cities. Diplomats are also focusing on transferring artillery shells to Ukraine.
“Air defense support is also important. This includes additional systems that have already started arriving. There was an announcement about the Patriot system from Germany. We are working on an additional five systems that will arrive. Other systems like NASAMS and others, ordered earlier, will soon be in service with our troops,” Markarova said.
NATO’s 75th anniversary summit, held in Washington on July 9-11, saw leaders of member countries and partners agreeing on a new aid package for Ukraine. This package aims to help Ukraine prevail in its war against Russia and to provide reliable protection against future Russian aggression.
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