Ukraine receives first F-16 fighters from the Netherlands.

Ukraine received the first F-16 fighters from the Netherlands as part of international aviation support, Dutch Defense Minister Ruben Brekelmans said on social media. He noted that these fighters are necessary to protect Ukrainian territories from airstrikes by Russia. Brekelmans announced that Ukraine will receive 24 more F-16 aircraft in the coming months.In addition, the Netherlands has introduced a new initiative to strengthen Ukrainian defensive capabilities through unmanned aerial vehicles. Ukraine will receive modern drones for reconnaissance, defense, and attacks worth 400 million euros, with half of them to be developed in the Netherlands.During his visit to Ukraine, the Dutch Defense Minister met with his Ukrainian counterpart Rustem Umerov. The main topics of the negotiations were strengthening the aviation coalition, including the training of F-16 crews, as well as the supply of weapons and spare parts for these aircraft.The Minister, while inspecting the devastated areas in Kharkiv, noted that Ukraine must keep Russia at bay for its protection. He emphasized that the country needs not only means for defense but also for deterring the aggressor.Ruben Brekelmans also visited Kharkiv as part of his visit to Ukraine.