WASHINGTON: The White House on Friday expressed its willingness to train Ukrainian pilots to fly F-18 fighter jets, if the facility in Europe reaches to its maximum level, reported Western media.
White House spokesperson John Kirby told reporters that currently, NATO is leading the training effort, but if their capacity is reached, the US is open to train Ukrainian pilots here.
He added that Washington is keen to move forward with the training program.
The US official noted this is a multi-step process, but the US is committed to help its allies as early as possible.
US ready to train Ukrainian pilots on F-16
He said President Joe Biden has approved providing Ukraine with F-16 fourth-generation fighter jets, and the American forces are eager to train Ukrainian pilots to enhance their capabilities.
Denmark and the Netherlands are currently training Ukrainian pilots on F-16 fighter jets. The UK separately is providing English language training to Ukrainian pilots because the instrumentation and manuals of F-16s are written in English.
US President Joe Biden has recently requested more than $13 billion from Congress in connection with new military aid to Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Shoygu had accused the US of committing war crimes by supplying cluster bombs to Ukraine, which is prohibited by international law.
Amid mounting tensions, Russia has led multiple waves of strikes on Ukraine while Ukrainian forces hit bridges within their occupied territories in response.
The situation remains highly delicate in the area, with both sides engaged in military actions. The ongoing developments underline the complex geopolitical landscape in the region.
