Russia will shoot down F-16 aircraft when Ukraine gets them, even if they take off from bases in other countries, says Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Speaking to Russian airmen at a base in Tver on Wednesday, Putin stressed that Russia has no plans to attack any NATO country, including Poland, the Baltic states and the Czech Republic.
– But if the West supplies Ukraine with F-16 aircraft, they will be shot down, he said and made it clear that such aircraft are legitimate targets, even if they are used from air bases in other countries.
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– Of course, if they are used from air bases in third countries, they become legitimate targets for us, regardless of where we find them, he said.
– We will destroy the planes, just as we today destroy tanks, armored vehicles and other equipment, including rocket artillery systems, he said further.
Norway, Denmark, Belgium and the Netherlands are among the countries that have promised Ukraine F-16 aircraft, and a coalition of countries has offered to train the Ukrainian pilots.
