Russia Threatens NATO Over F-16 Jet Deliveries to Ukraine
In a significant escalation, Russia is reacting strongly to NATO's plans to supply F-16 jets to Ukraine. Moscow has announced that it would consider attacking NATO bases if these jets, crucial for Ukraine’s defense, are stationed on Western military airfields. This comes after NATO members, including the Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, and Portugal, confirmed they would be providing Ukraine with several F-16 jets to bolster its air defenses.
Sergey Golubtsov of the Ukrainian Air Force stated that the jets would be stored at secure air bases outside Ukraine to ensure their safety. Andrei Kartapolov, a member of the Russian parliament, declared these jets 'legitimate targets' even if they are stationed outside Ukrainian territory, emphasizing that Russia could 'shoot down anything and anywhere.'
Germany, while not supplying F-16 fighter jets, is indirectly involved. Germany’s Panavia Tornado jets are outdated, and the European Eurofighter jets are unsuitable for the Ukrainian front. France, on the other hand, is assisting Kyiv with Dassault Mirage 2000 jets.
President Vladimir Putin reiterated that NATO bases would be considered legitimate targets if Ukrainian F-16 jets used them. Despite these threats, it remains uncertain how many Ukrainian air bases can support the F-16s, as the jets require smooth and long runways, unlike their Soviet-era counterparts like the MiG-29.
In another development, Vyacheslav Volodin, Chairman of the State Duma of the Russian Federation, urged the Ukrainian parliament, Verkhovna Rada, to consider peace proposals by President Vladimir Putin. Putin's proposals involve recognizing new territorial realities, demilitarization, and neutral status for Ukraine. However, experts argue that under the current Kyiv regime, the Verkhovna Rada may be incapable of making independent decisions.
Putin recently outlined conditions for peace, including the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson, and Zaporozhye regions, as well as acknowledging Crimea and other regions as Russian territories. Despite these proposals, Kyiv and Western leaders have dismissed them, describing them as ultimatums and not genuine peace initiatives. NATO leaders, including Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and British Defense Minister Grant Shapps, have criticized Moscow, stating that the proposals are a means for Russia to achieve its military goals.
The ongoing tension reveals a deeper divide, with analysts suggesting that NATO aims to prolong the conflict. Russian State Duma deputy Oleg Matveychev accused NATO of wanting to continue the war 'until the last Ukrainian,' highlighting a strategic intent behind Western support for Ukraine.
- German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and NATO leaders have expressed skepticism about Russia's peace proposals, citing them as strategies for Moscow to solidify its territorial gains. Similarly, Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin refuted Putin's terms, asserting that Russia is not in a position to dictate Ukraine's actions for achieving peace.
- Despite Western criticisms, Moscow maintains that it offers a viable solution for ending the conflict. Dmitry Peskov, Kremlin spokesperson, stated that even with Kyiv's refusal, there will be individuals within Ukraine who will consider Russia's terms amidst the dynamic and changing frontline conditions.
