Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Gahr Støre announced on July 10, 2024 that Norway will donate six F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. The reason for this donation is said to be making Ukraine capable of protecting itself against Russian strikes. He further added that the jets will be crucial for Kyiv.
NATO leaders will soon announce additional assistance to Ukraine in its efforts to protect itself after Russia invaded the country in February 2022.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskiy wants the 32-member alliance to provide security assurances in addition to sending additional money and weaponry in an effort to turn the tide of the conflict.
Ukraine to Receive 6 F-16 Fighter Jets
The declaration of giving six F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine is made during a gathering of the 32 leaders of the military alliance in the US to commemorate its formation 75 years ago.
Ukraine has long desired F-16s due of their devastating capability and widespread availability.
According to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on July 10, 2024, the first batch of F-16 fighter jets made in the United States is already being moved from Denmark and the Netherlands to Ukraine and will be flying over Ukrainian skies this summer.
NATO’s Summit Revolved Around Ukraine
The NATO summit, in the words of Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, is a celebration of the organization's 75 years of cooperation. This can also be seen as a chance for members to decide on important matters concerning their future.
According to Stoltenberg, the allies should come to an agreement on a comprehensive package of help for Ukraine that includes the following five essential components:
- NATO command will give Ukraine security support and training.
- A sustained long-term commitment to protect the security of Ukraine
- Fresh declarations of emergency assistance, such as air defense capabilities
- Security arrangements signed on a bilateral basis by Ukraine and certain NATO members
- Increased efforts to make NATO and Ukrainian military more compatible
What Happened in the NATO Summit?
- At NATO Summit in Washington, DC, NATO member states jointly declare their commitment to a military alliance and to providing Ukraine with ongoing support in the face of Russia's invasion.
- In addition, support for Ukraine's "irreversible path to full Euro-Atlantic integration, including NATO membership" is promised in the communiqué.
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the president of Ukraine, expresses gratitude to Denmark and the Netherlands for advancing with the delivery of US-made F-16 fighter jets to Kyiv, while adding that Norway will supply further aircraft by year's end.