|
Zelensky thanked Denmark for providing American-made-16 fighter jets for the defense of Ukraine against Russia's 17-month invasion. Denmark and the Netherlands confirmed Sunday that they will send American-made F-16s to Ukraine once its pilots are trained and ready, in close cooperation with the United States.
Zelensky warned that Russia's attack on Ukraine is a threat to all of Europe.
"All of Russia's neighbors are under threat if Ukraine does not prevail," Zelensky said. "International law will not be resuscitated, democracies of the world, each of them can become a target -- either for missiles, or for mercenaries, or for destabilization, and I am sure you can feel it. But Ukraine will prevail."
Vladimir Barbin, Russia's ambassador to Denmark, called the transfer of F-16s to Ukraine an escalation of the conflict.
In fighting on the ground, Russia reportedly made a push in the east with heavy fighting reported around the city of Kupiansk. Ukrainian officials have described the fighting there as "difficult."
Moscow's success there has come after weeks of shelling in the northeastern city and surrounding areas leading to the first major Ukrainian evacuation in months.
Russia also found itself on the defensive as Ukrainian drones forced the country to briefly suspend flights at two airports in Moscow.
Russia's Ministry of Defense said on social media its air defense stopped two drones. Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said they did not result in damage or casualties.
Regional Gov. Andrey Vorobyov said two people were injured when falling debris from a drone hit a cottage.
Moscow's Vnukovo and Domodedovo Airports restricted airspace for about two hours because of the attacks, causing nearly 50 flights to be redirected.
Greece offers F-16 training to Ukrainian pilots: Zelensky
Athens (AFP) Aug 21, 2023 -
Greece has offered to train Ukrainian pilots to fly F-16 warplanes, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said during an official visit to Athens Monday.
"Today we have an important result for the air coalition: Greece will take part in training our pilots on F-16s. Thank you for this offer," Zelensky said, along side Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, during statements to the media.
Kyiv on Friday welcomed a US decision to let Denmark and the Netherlands hand F-16 fighter jets over to Ukraine once its pilots are trained to use them.
Training by an 11-nation coalition is to begin this month, and officials hope pilots will be ready by early 2024.
Zelensky's visit to Athens coincided with an informal dinner hosted by Mitsotakis with Balkan leaders, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and European Council chief Charles Michel.
The Greek PM's office said the gathering marks the twentieth anniversary of the 2003 Thessaloniki summit confirming the European perspective of Western Balkan states.
The Ukrainian president had earlier posted on Telegram that he would hold a joint meeting and separate talks on bilateral issues with the Balkan leaders, and also meet with the European Commission president.
Top US general meets Pope Francis, discusses Ukraine war
Aboard A Us Military Aircraft (AFP) Aug 21, 2023 -
Top US military officer General Mark Milley met Pope Francis at the Vatican on Monday, discussing issues including the war in Ukraine.
The pope is "obviously very concerned about the hundreds of thousands of people who have been killed and wounded and the innocent civilian lives that have been lost", Milley told journalists aboard a US military aircraft following the audience.
"He's very interested in hearing my views on the state of the war and the status of the war, and the human tragedy that's unfolded in Ukraine," the general said.
Milley -- the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff -- has played a central role in efforts to provide Ukraine with assistance including military equipment and training to combat Russian troops who invaded in February 2022.
That assistance has helped Kyiv's forces regain ground from Moscow, and Ukrainian troops are currently engaged in a counteroffensive that has run up against heavy Russian defences.
Pope Francis, who became head of the worldwide Catholic Church in 2013, calls regularly for peace in Ukraine and his peace envoy visited Moscow in June, just weeks after visiting Kyiv.
Milley, a practising Catholic, said he and the Argentine pontiff discussed other issues as well, including talking "a lot about Africa".
The 86-year-old pope's "depth of knowledge of world events is quite impressive", said Milley.
"Just being there, having an opportunity to chat with him about issues of the day... was a real privilege."
Related Links
Aerospace News at SpaceMart.com
| Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters |
| Subscribe Free To Our Daily Newsletters |
