Moscow - (Saba):
The Russian Embassy in The Hague announced that the delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Kyiv represents just one step in the Netherlands' efforts to escalate the conflict in Ukraine, as these aircraft and the airports from which they take off are considered legitimate targets for the Russian Armed Forces.
Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans announced on Sunday that the Netherlands would send the last of the 24 F-16 fighter jets it had promised to Ukraine on Monday.
Sputnik quoted the Russian Embassy as saying, commenting on Brekelmans' statement, "Since the beginning of the special military operation in Ukraine, the Netherlands has been escalating the conflict and destabilizing the international situation. The delivery of F-16s to Kyiv is just one step in this direction." It noted that Russia considers these aircraft, as well as the airports from which they take off, legitimate targets for the Russian Armed Forces.
The Russian embassy added: "At the same time, it can be said that the supply of Western weapons to Ukraine did not prevent the resumption of negotiations in Istanbul, which were suspended in 2022 at Kyiv's initiative. Work will continue to find a solution to the situation."
On the same day, the Dutch Ministry of Defense announced that the Netherlands had sent the last of 24 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.
"The Netherlands has sent the last of its 24 F-16 fighter jets bound for Ukraine. The aircraft departed Volkel Air Base today, bound for Belgium, where they will be prepared for delivery to Ukraine. The Netherlands has delivered a total of 24 fighter jets to Ukraine," the ministry said in a statement.
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