“Depends on the circumstances,” says Danish Prime Minister on Ukraine’s use of F-16 fighter jets for attacks inside Russia

Permission for Ukraine to launch strikes inside Russia using Danish-supplied F-16 fighter jets will “depend on the circumstances,” Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen told RFE/RL on July 12, while confirming that permission would be granted in some cases.

Copenhagen had previously indicated that Kyiv could use its F-16 fighter jets, which were already on their way to Ukraine, against targets in Russia “within the rules of war”.

When asked about the matter by an RFE/RL reporter in Washington, Frederiksen said: “You can’t ask this question and expect easy answers because it all depends on the circumstances. It has to be done in accordance with international law.”

“But yes, it is also possible to reach destinations outside Ukraine,” the Prime Minister added.

In addition to Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium and Norway have also promised to deliver their F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine. The number of aircraft promised so far amounts to 79, 19 of which are from Copenhagen.

The Netherlands said it would allow Ukraine to carry out attacks inside Russia, while Belgium said its F-16 fighter jets were intended only for use on Ukrainian territory.

Frederiksen reiterated President Volodymyr Zelensky’s statement that the currently pledged number of F-16s is insufficient given Russia’s air power.

“That is one of the reasons why we have created an international F-16 coalition,” the prime minister said, expressing hope that other countries will offer further support with training and aircraft.

Frederiksen rejected the idea that Western arms deliveries could lead to an escalation. Russia bears sole responsibility for the war and “Ukraine has the right … and the duty to defend itself.”

“And the same goes for the rest of Europe. We must protect our continent, our values ​​and our people. And that is why we must not only defend Ukraine, but also defeat the Russians,” said the Danish Prime Minister.

F-16 for Ukraine: When will they arrive and what can they do?

The General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon is an American air superiority fighter that Kiev has been asking for since the start of the large-scale invasion and is expected to finally be delivered this year. It is a versatile workhorse that has fought in dozens of wars and