Top diplomat: First F-16 squadrons could stop Russian blockade of Ukraine's ports

A complete cessation of the Russian naval blockade of Ukrainian ports will become possible when Ukraine receives the first squadrons of F-16s.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba made the statement on Thursday, July 20, at a meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the European Union, "European Pravda" reports citing the ministry's press service.

During his speech, the minister urged the EU member states to work actively together to deprive Russia of leverage over Ukrainian maritime exports.

According to him, the ideal scenario would be a complete cessation of the Russian maritime blockade of Ukrainian ports.

"This will be possible when Ukraine receives the first squadrons of F-16s that will be able to patrol the skies and sea routes," the Foreign Ministry said.

The minister expressed gratitude to those EU countries that are already making an active contribution to the aviation coalition and called for all procedures to be implemented as soon as possible.