Zelensky Issues F-16 Update Amid Russian 'Lies'

 

Zelensky Confirms Arrival of U.S.-Made F-16 Jets, Rejects Russian Claims of Shoot-Down

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced Wednesday that a new shipment of U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets had arrived in Ukraine, dismissing Russian claims that one of the jets had been shot down by Russian forces.

Ukraine’s fleet of F-16s remains limited, and the recent delivery marks a significant boost to the country’s defense capabilities amid Russia’s ongoing full-scale invasion, which began in February 2022.

Russian pro-war Telegram channels alleged that a Russian S-400 Triumph air defense system had brought down an F-16. Both Zelensky and Ukrainian military officials denied the reports.

“The good news is that several F-16 aircraft have arrived in Ukraine,” Zelensky told reporters Wednesday evening, without disclosing the exact number of jets delivered.

Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat also refuted the Russian claims. “Our F-16 pilots successfully carried out their missions again today. Combat operations continue every day,” he said.

Zelensky has long urged Western allies to supply advanced fighter jets to strengthen Ukraine’s defenses. In July, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed that NATO allies had begun transferring F-16s to Ukraine.

By August, the jets were spotted in Ukraine’s southern Kherson region, according to Kremlin-appointed official Pavlo Filipchuk, who claimed they were seen flying over Kakhovka “only to sow panic.”

Ukraine suffered its first F-16 loss in August when Lieutenant Colonel Oleksii Mes died in a crash. A Ukrainian Air Force source suggested the aircraft may have been mistakenly downed by friendly fire. Ukraine’s Air Command Zakhid later honored Mes for his valor, noting he had destroyed three cruise missiles and a drone during a Russian assault on August 26.

In an online press briefing Wednesday, Zelensky reiterated: “The Russians are spreading lies that they shot down something there—they didn’t shoot down anything. What’s true is that more F-16s have arrived.”

Meanwhile, Ukraine, Russia, and the United States remain engaged in ongoing diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.