
DK F-16 confirmation for Ukraine/Zelensky visits Denmark
Denmark donates 19 F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said at a press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at Skrydstrup Air Base Sunday. “We know that your freedom is our freedom. We also know you need more. That’s why we’re announcing that we’re donating 19 F-16 fighter jets,” said Mette Frederiksen, adding that on behalf of the Danish people she is proud to have President Volodymyr Zelensky in the country. “You are the face of good versus evil. Right against wrong.”
The announcement came after Denmark and the Netherlands announced earlier in the day that they are to donate fighter jets to Ukraine. “It makes me proud that Denmark and the Netherlands will donate F16 fighter jets to Ukraine’s freedom struggle against Russia and their senseless aggression,” Defence Minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen said in a press release. “Denmark’s support for Ukraine is unwavering, and with the donation of F16 aircraft, Denmark is now leading the way,” he said.
Shortly before the Danish announcement, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte made the same announcement. He said he could not specify how many planes would be delivered to Ukraine, but said that the Netherlands has 42 in stock. Denmark will work to ensure that other countries also donate F16 aircraft to Ukraine, the Defence Ministry wrote. Before the planes can be handed over, Ukrainian pilots must be trained, which will take place in Denmark, among other countries.
President Zelensky will be meeting Queen Margrethe on Monday and holding a speech in Parliament. Zelensky arrived in Denmark after visiting Sweden and the Netherlands. /ritzau/