Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Europe, the Western bloc, and the European Union (EU) in particular, initially united in an integrated manner and [1] imposed serious sanctions against Moscow, including an oil price ceiling. [2]
Although there have been some disagreements within the EU over support for Kiev, Brussels, together with the United States of America (USA) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), has been an important actor standing with Ukraine and against Russia.
Europe has generally adopted an anti-Russian stance in this war. In this framework, in addition to the sanctions imposed on Moscow, many aids were provided to Kiev. As a matter of fact, arms aid is one of the most important aids. At the same time, Russia is most disturbed by this kind of support.
In this context, the announcement by the Netherlands and Denmark on August 27, 2023 that they would provide Ukraine with F-16 fighter jets is quite significant. Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has stated that this support will be a great motivation for his troops. [3]
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has said that the timetable for the delivery of the F16s depends on the availability of Ukrainian crews and infrastructure for the powerful US-made jets. On the other hand, it is known that Ukraine has wanted these jets for a long time.
Danish Defense Minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen stated the following: [4]
“I am proud that Denmark, together with the Netherlands, will donate F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine’s fight for freedom against Russia and its senseless aggression. Denmark’s support for Ukraine is unwavering and with the donation of the F-16 fighter jets, Denmark is now leading the way in support of Ukraine.”
In a statement made on his Telegram channel, Zelenski stated that a total of 42 jets will be purchased. However, the Netherlands and Denmark did not specify the number in their joint statement that deliveries would take place. [5]
Indeed, Zelenski said the following in his statement on the subject: [6]
“The F-16s will not immediately help the war effort now. This is already a long-term commitment of the Netherlands. We want them to be activated and operational as soon as possible… Not for next month, that is impossible, but hopefully soon after. The F16 will certainly give new energy, confidence and motivation to fighters and civilians. I am sure it will have new consequences for Ukraine and for the whole of Europe.”
In conclusion, it can be argued that many different countries in Europe have supported Ukraine in the context of this war and that the Netherlands and Denmark have a critical role among these countries with their F16 deliveries. Considering the damage that the prolongation of the war has caused in Europe, it can be argued that the support for Kiev will deepen the divisions within Europe and especially within the EU. This could lead to Ukraine receiving less aid from the Western Bloc and facing a more difficult situation in the war.
[1] “EU Agrees on Level of Price Caps for Russian Petroleum Products”, European Council of the European Union, https://www.consilium.europa.eu/en/press/press-releases/2023/02/04/eu-agrees-on-level-of-price-caps-for-russian-petroleum-products/, (Erişim Tarihi: 21.08.2023).
[2] “What Are The Sanctions On Russia And Are They Hurting İts Economy?”, British Broadcasting Corporation News, https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-60125659, (Erişim Tarihi: 21.08.2023).
[3] “The Netherlands and Denmark Will Give F-16 Fighter Jets to Ukraine, the Dutch Prime Minister Says”, Associated Press News, https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-zelenskyy-netherlands-f16-9252de3ad10357a41212262c560874aa, (Erişim Tarihi: 21.08.2023).
[4] “Netherlands And Denmark To Donate Up To 61 F-16 Fighter Jets To Ukraine”, The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/20/netherlands-to-donate-up-to-42-f-16-fighter-jets-to-ukraine, (Erişim Tarihi: 21.08.2023).
[5] “Zelensky Hails ‘Historic’ Supply of F-16s as Ukraine Seeks to Counter Russian Air Supremacy”, Cable News Network World, https://edition.cnn.com/2023/08/20/europe/netherlands-denmark-f-16-fighter-jets-ukraine-intl/index.html, (Erişim Tarihi: 21.08.2023).
[6] “The Netherlands and Denmark Will Give F-16 Fighter Jets to Ukraine, the Dutch Prime Minister Says”, a.g.e., (Erişim Tarihi: 21.08.2023).
