A Ukrainian lawmaker has raised concerns about Washington’s delays in preparing Ukrainian fighter pilots to fly F-16s, accusing the US of making excuses to avoid upsetting Moscow. Despite promises from the US and other coalition members to deliver up to 60 F-16s, only a few pilots have been trained so far due to logistical issues. The lawmaker criticized the US for refusing to accommodate more Ukrainian pilots and suggested the delays may be politically motivated. The training delays are hindering Ukraine’s ability to counter Russian glide bombs effectively, which pose a significant threat on the battlefield.
As tensions continue to escalate, Moscow has warned that any foreign bases hosting F-16s used against Russian forces would be considered legitimate targets. The ongoing delays and lack of preparedness could prolong the conflict and lead to further loss of life. The situation underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region, highlighting the challenges faced by Ukraine in securing necessary support.