Russia says F-16s taking off from NATO military bases will be seen participating in conflict in Ukraine

Speaking at the 1065th plenary meeting of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) in Vienna (Austria) on military security and arms control, Konstantin Gavrilov, head of the Russian delegation, said that Moscow will consider the possibility of using F-16 fighter jets from air bases in Poland, Romania, and Slovakia because of these countries' involvement in the conflict in Ukraine.

"We strongly warn that the use of F-16 fighter jets from the territory of these NATO member states will be perceived by Moscow as their participation in the conflict in Ukraine. Russia will be forced to take retaliatory measures," said Konstantin Gavrilov.

The Russian diplomat noted that Russia's assertion was based on the presence of F-16 fighter jets at the airports of the post-Soviet republics. These F-16s, which were transferred to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, can take off from air bases in Poland, Romania and Slovakia.

Mr. Gavrilov pointed out that the US and its allies continue to create security threats on Russia's western borders.

“The West’s aggressive policies are no longer hidden behind the defensive-oriented formulations of military doctrines,” Gavrilov said, explaining that NATO’s doctrines reinforce claims to global dominance that they intend to achieve by the use of force.

So far, the Netherlands and Denmark, along with a number of Western countries, have agreed to deliver F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. In particular, Amsterdam is expected to send the first fighter jets to Kiev in 2024.

Previously, the Washington Post quoted an anonymous US official as saying that the transfer of F-16s would not give Ukraine the air superiority it expected, because Russia's air defense system is very effective./.

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