Netherlands confirmed US approval to transfer fighter jets

The Netherlands has confirmed receiving the United States's approval for transferring F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. The country will continue discussing the matter with its European allies, Wopke Hoekstra, the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs stated.

"We welcome Washington's decision to pave the way for sending F16 Fighter Jets to Ukraine. Many thanks to Secretary Blinken for the good and swift cooperation. Now, we will further discuss the subject with our European partners," he wrote, RBC-Ukraine reports.

Hoekstra emphasised that the Netherlands will now discuss this issue with its European partners.

On August 17, Reuters reported that the United States officially approved transferring F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine from Denmark and the Netherlands. Deliveries could commence after Ukrainian pilots complete their training on the fighter jets.

Denmark has already confirmed receiving approval from the United States for supplying F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.

Additionally, the White House had speculated that Ukraine could acquire F-16 fighter jets by the end of the year. However, Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov believes deliveries might start in 2024