News - Middle East: Russia has warned that the provision of US-made F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine by Denmark and the Netherlands will escalate the war in the ex-Soviet republic.

The two countries announced on Sunday they would provide Kiev with a number of the American single-engine supersonic warplanes. Six of the promised jets will initially be delivered around New Year.
The announcement came a few days after the United States approved the delivery of the multirole fighter aircraft to Ukraine.
On Monday, Russian Ambassador to Denmark Vladimir Barbin strongly condemned Denmark and the Netherlands for the donation.

“The fact that Denmark has now decided to donate 19 F-16 aircraft to Ukraine leads to an escalation of the conflict.”

"By hiding behind a premise that Ukraine itself must determine the conditions for peace, Denmark seeks with its actions and words to leave Ukraine with no other choice but to continue the military confrontation with Russia," Ambassador Barbin said.
Denmark and the Netherlands have also taken the lead in preparing an F-16 training program for Ukrainian pilots.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte said on Sunday the Netherlands and Denmark would give an unspecified number of F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine once all transfer conditions are met.
"Today we can announce that the Netherlands and Denmark commit to the transfer of F-16 aircraft to Ukraine and the Ukrainian Air Force," in cooperation with the US and other allies, he said in a joint press conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at a military air base in the southern Dutch city of Eindhoven.