Additional Coverage:
- Ukraine’s new F-16s are flying missions and shot down incoming missiles during a massive Russian attack, Zelenskyy says (newsbreak.com)
On August 4, a photo emerged from Ukraine showing the country’s F-16 fighter jets, which recently played a pivotal role in thwarting Russian missile attacks. According to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, these newly acquired F-16s successfully intercepted missiles during one of Russia’s most significant assaults on Monday.
President Zelenskyy, speaking at the Ukraine 2024 Independence Forum in Kyiv, highlighted the efficiency of the American-made F-16 jets in countering the Russian offensive, which involved over 100 missiles and numerous one-way attack drones. These attacks targeted crucial Ukrainian infrastructure, particularly its energy systems, resulting in casualties and widespread damage.
While specific details on the number of jets involved and the missiles intercepted were not disclosed, the integration of F-16s into Ukraine’s arsenal marks a strategic enhancement, an acquisition Ukraine had long sought from the West. Initially armed for air defense, these jets demonstrated their capabilities during the recent severe strike.
In the aftermath, President Zelenskyy renewed calls for the U.S. and other allies to permit the use of Western-supplied long-range weapons to retaliate against Russian launch sites. This plea underscores the ongoing severe threat posed by Russian attacks.
In support of Ukraine, U.S. President Joe Biden has committed to increasing supplies of essential energy equipment to help repair and maintain Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, a vital step in sustaining the country amid continued conflict.