The USA might "abandon" Ukraine - Zhdanov's alarming statement about F-16 fighter jets
An expert noted that Ukraine should not expect the transfer of any models of Western aircraft until July.
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If the USA does not provide F-16, Europe has alternative options / Photo: Associated Press
Military expert Oleh Zhdanov suggests that the USA may "abandon" Ukraine and freeze the transfer of F-16 fighter jets.
The expert made such a statement on his YouTube channel.
However, Zhdanov made rather optimistic forecasts regarding alternative scenarios of providing Ukraine with Western-type military aircraft from Europe.
"I wouldn't be surprised if there's some agreement: if the US ultimately "abandons" us, then Sweden will provide Gripen. When the epic with pilot training began, the Swedish government held a separate meeting where the possibility of transferring Gripen-type aircraft to Ukraine and corresponding pilot training on these aircraft was discussed," the expert said.
Furthermore, according to Oleh Zhdanov, teaching Ukrainian pilots to operate Gripen after training on American F-16 aircraft will be easier.
"We also shouldn't forget about Mirage 2000 fighters. It's entirely possible that France will provide them to us. Let's wait and see," the military expert added.
He also noted that the issue of the actual transfer of any Western-type military aircraft to Ukraine will most likely not be raised until July.
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