NATO Secretary General: Ukraine authorized for F-16 strikes beyond its borders

When Ukraine receives Western F-16 fighter jets, it will have the right to strike legitimate Russian military targets beyond Ukraine’s borders, stated NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg in an interview with Voice of America.

“At different allies, there is somewhat different policies on this. But overall… this is Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine with a blatant violation of international law. And under international law, Ukraine has the right to self-defense. This also includes striking legitimate military targets – Russian military targets beyond Ukraine. This is international law,” said Stoltenberg.

It is currently unknown when exactly Kyiv will be able to receive the aircraft, Stoltenberg reiterated, as it depends on allies and decisions in countries. Ukraine’s partners are eager to provide this assistance as soon as possible, emphasized the NATO Secretary-General.

“So, I think we have to listen to the military experts exactly when we will be ready to or when allies will be ready to start sending and delivering the F-16s. The sooner, the better. At the same time, it has to be effective weapons with well-trained pilots, with good support systems available when we provide this mechanism to Ukraine,” stated the NATO Secretary-General.