Russian foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed serious concern about the possibility of Ukraine receiving American F-16 fighter jets. According to TASS reports, Lavrov sees this move as a direct message from NATO in the nuclear sphere.
"Moscow will understand the delivery of American F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine as a deliberate signal from NATO in the nuclear sphere, showing that the military bloc is ready for anything," Lavrov said, as quoted by Focus.
Lavrov stressed that F-16s have been an integral part of NATO's nuclear missions for years. He stated that Russia sees the potential delivery of these aircraft to Ukraine as a nuclear threat, given their ability to carry nuclear weapons. "NATO is trying to signal that it is literally ready for anything in Ukraine,", noted Lavrov, emphasizing the seriousness with which Russia views this development.
The Russian foreign minister did not mince words when discussing the consequences of such a NATO move. He believes that the delivery of F-16s to Ukraine will not significantly change the dynamics of the battlefield, as they will be targeted and destroyed, similar to other military aid provided by NATO countries. But according to Lavrov, the symbolic gesture of supplying such planes carries a deeper, more troubling message. He warned of a potential “nuclear escalation” which could have “catastrophic consequences” for global peace.
The discourse surrounding the potential delivery of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine has sparked a fiery response from Russia, with Lavrov warning against actions that could be interpreted as escalation in the nuclear domain.