Tổng thống Putin expresses anger and warns the US about F-16
Source: This article has been refreshed and adapted from a news article originally written in Vietnamese.
Tensions between Russia and the United States have escalated as Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his anger and issued a warning about the potential deployment of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. In a statement at the Torzhok Air Base in the Tver region of Russia, Putin declared that if these jets were used from third-party countries’ airfields, they would become legitimate targets for Russia, regardless of their location (source).
A Dire Warning
Putin’s warning comes in response to the possibility of the US transferring F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, similar to the military aid provided by Western countries to Ukraine. He firmly stated that if the F-16s were given to Ukraine, Russia would destroy them just like they have destroyed tanks, armored vehicles, and other military equipment, including multiple rocket launchers. This statement was made in response to a question about whether Russia would attack the F-16s if they were deployed from NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) member countries’ airfields.
Image: President Putin during his visit to Torzhok Air Base on March 27 (Source: Sputnik)
Ukraine’s Long-standing Request
Ukraine has long been requesting its Western allies to provide F-16 fighter jets. However, these countries have consistently emphasized that the F-16s cannot be delivered to Ukraine until Ukrainian pilots and ground personnel complete the necessary training courses. The Pentagon announced in late September 2023 that the pilot training process had begun in Denmark.
Ukraine’s partners have also advised against overestimating the role of F-16s in changing the dynamics of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. According to NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, while the F-16s may enhance Ukraine’s operational capabilities, they cannot alter the overall situation.
Image: F-16, one of the most powerful fighter jets produced by the US (Source: Reuters)
Putin’s Outrage
On March 28, President Putin vehemently denied accusations that Russia was planning to target Europe. He dismissed these allegations as “nonsense,” suggesting they were being used to intimidate European citizens into accepting higher taxes. Putin also highlighted that such rhetoric was exposed against the backdrop of Europe’s declining living standards and economy.
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