The Minister of Defense of the Netherlands, Ruben Breckelmans, emphasized that Ukraine can use the F-16 fighter jets transferred by the Netherlands on the territory of Russia for defensive purposes in accordance with international law. This is what he said in a comment to "Ukrinform" journalists before the start of the meeting of the heads of NATO defense departments in Brussels.
"We have delivered our first batch of F-16s. Now they are in Ukrainian airspace. And we have always said that Ukraine must comply with international law." - he said.
The minister emphasized that international law does not contain any distance restrictions. "International law does not stop at the border or 100 km from the border. Therefore, we allow Ukraine to use the F-16 for self-defense." - he said.
Breckelmans noted that this may be needed to intercept missiles or to strike, for example, Russian airfields.
“So, military goals. And this is also allowed to be done on the territory of Russia or in Russian airspace." - he said.
The minister also emphasized that issues related to support for Ukraine are key.
"I think that supporting Ukraine is a key priority these days. I was in Kharkiv and Kyiv ten days ago, and the situation both on the front line and in big cities like Kharkiv is very worrying. So I think we need to step up our efforts. Secondly, we need to talk about strengthening our defense and deterrence, because the Russian threat is only growing, and not only in the short term, but also in the long term. said the defense minister of the Netherlands.
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