
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the Netherlands has reaffirmed its support by allowing Ukraine to use Dutch-supplied F-16 fighter jets to strike targets within Russian territory.

Dutch Defence Minister Kajsa Ollongren clarified that the 24 F-16s designated for Ukraine come without the operational limitations imposed by other countries like Belgium.

“No Belgian-style restrictions exist. We apply the same principle that we’ve applied to every other supply of forces and resources, namely: once we transfer them to Ukraine, they can use them,” Ollongren articulated.

This declaration was made alongside remarks that require Ukraine to adhere to international law and the right to self-defense under the UN Charter, effectively limiting the use of these jets to target military objectives necessary for their self-defense.

This announcement aligns with a broader coalition of countries that have allowed the use of their weapons to target Russian territory, demonstrating a unified stance in response to the ongoing aggression observed in the region.

Among these nations, Canada, France, the United Kingdom, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Finland, and Denmark have taken similar steps, signaling a shift in the geopolitical landscape and the scope of military aid provided to Ukraine.

The Dutch decision comes shortly after a significant move by the United States, where President Biden gave Ukraine permission to use American-supplied weapons to strike targets near the Kharkiv region.

This decision marked an evolution in the U.S. policy, which previously prohibited strikes against Russian territory using American weapons.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken cautiously indicated that the U.S. was contemplating this change, emphasizing Ukraine’s autonomy in deciding the best way to defend itself while assuring continuous adaptation to the changing battlefield conditions.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg also suggested reevaluating restrictions to enable Ukraine to more effectively conduct defense.

The Netherlands’ provision of F-16s to Ukraine is part of a joint initiative with Denmark, pledging a total of 61 American fighter jets following authorization from the United States.

The delivery of the fighter jets is anticipated in the first half of 2024, with expectations for the first batch to arrive around June 2024.

In preparation, Ukrainian pilots have completed initial training in the United Kingdom with plans for advanced flight training provided by the French Air Force.

The Dutch Foreign Minister, Hanke Bruins Slot, supported the decision by citing Article 51 of the UN Charter, which guarantees the right to self-defense, as the basis for Ukraine’s potential use of Western-supplied aircraft over Russian territory.

“The Netherlands is ready to do everything possible to allow F-16s to fly in the skies of Ukraine as soon as possible,” Bruins Slot declared, reaffirming Dutch commitment to Ukraine’s defense.
Relevant articles:
– The Netherlands allows Ukraine to use its F-16s to strike at Russian territory , FrontNews, 06/03/2024
– Europe takes the war to Putin: Netherlands will allow Ukraine to use its F-16 jets to carry out strikes in Russia after US allowed its missiles to strike targets over the border, Daily Mail, 06/03/2024
– Denmark permits Ukraine to use F-16 jets against Russian military targets, Yahoo News Australia, 06/02/2024
– Dutch foreign minister supports Ukraine’s right to deploy F-16s over Russia, Yahoo Singapore News, 06/01/2024