Dutch Armed Forces Commander Onno Eichelsheim has stated that Ukraine is permitted to use Dutch-donated F-16 fighter jets within Russian territory, provided they adhere to the laws of war, NL Times reported.
Ukraine received its first F-16s in early August, with up to ten aircraft delivered and more expected later.
In an interview with NOS published on 29 August, Eichelsheim said,
“We have not imposed any restrictions on the use and range of the F-16, provided that the law of war is observed.”
The highest-ranking military officer in the Netherlands praised Ukraine’s recent surprise incursion Russia’s Kursk Oblast as “brilliant in practical terms.” Ukrainian forces entered the region on 6 August and have since taken control of more than 100 locations along the border after targeting military infrastructure and airports in the area.
“They have taken over a large area in a good way, with new techniques, quite quickly. In doing so, they have created a dilemma for Putin,” Eichelsheim told NOS.
The Commander of the Armed Forces would have no problems if such offensive actions include the use of Dutch weapons:
“The resources we supply can be used by Ukraine as it wishes, provided humanitarian law of war is adhered to.”
The Americans partly agree, says Eichelsheim, who is visiting his counterparts in the US. Previously, the US allowed Ukraine to use GMLRS rockets in the Russian territory near the border, but not the longer-range ATACMS missiles, capable of reaching high-value targets such as air bases.
“They have other restrictions, but they have also supplied other weapons systems. At least we have the same line to make sure Ukraine wins the war. I think we are putting all our efforts into making that happen,” Eichelsheim said.
Ukraine has been using Westerns-supplied guided bombs in Kursk Oblast to destroy reinforced targets such as bridges. However, Ukraine is likely using its Soviet-era fighters for these attacks rather than the newly acquired F-16s.
Related:
- WSJ: Russia moves 90% of aircraft outside ATACMS range
- Electronic warfare upgrade for Ukrainian F-16s completed by US Air Force
- Hundreds of Russian military targets within range of Ukrainian ATACMS, ISW finds
- Politico: US weighs giving Ukraine JASSM missiles for F-16s
- The Telegraph: UK quietly supports Ukraine’s Storm Shadow strikes in Russia
- EU top diplomat Borrell calls for lifting restrictions on Ukraine’s weapon use in Russia
- Ukraine’s air defense to reach new heights with F-16 fighter jets, says US expert