Netherlands Doesn't Ban Ukraine From Using Fighter Jets To Attack Military Targets In Russian Territory

Ukrainian F-16 fighter jets. (Wikimedia Commons/Presidentt.gov.ua)

JAKARTA - The Netherlands did not prohibit Ukraine from using its F-16 fighter jets to attack military targets deep within Russian territory, but did not target military facilities, Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans told the NOS TV channel.

He said Ukraine could use Dutch-transfered F-16 jets, including in Russian territory, as long as the war laws are adhered to. In particular, it is stipulated that attacks should not be directed at civilian facilities.

"Ukraine is clearly not allowed to do this," said Defense Minister Brekelmans, quoted from TASS on August 30.

"This is a condition we have set," he said.

At the same time, Ukraine has the right to attack military targets in Russia, according to the Netherlands. This includes intercepting missiles over Russia and attacking the airfield where Russian fighter jets take off, Defense Minister Brekelmans said.

Earlier, Dutch Military Commander General Onno Zavellsheim said the Netherlands had imposed no restrictions on the use and reach of F-16 fighter jets transferred to Kiev in Russian territory.

"We do not impose any restrictions on the use and reach of the F-16s, provided the law of war is adhered to," General Zavellsheim told NOS quoted from RFE/RL.

The Netherlands is known to have played one of the main roles in the coalition to supply Ukraine with F-16 jets and train pilots. As part of this initiative, the Dutch plan to transfer 24 aircraft to Kyiv and provide 18 more aircraft for the needs of European training centers in Romania.

Earlier, The Times quoted unnamed sources as saying Ukraine had received six F-16 fighter jets from the Netherlands.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin stressed that the new shipment of weapons, including the F-16 jet, to Kyiv would not change the situation on the front lines, but would lead to an extension of the conflict.

He also pointed out that this fighter jet, if delivered to the Ukrainian military, would catch fire like other military equipment the West said.