“We would like to emphasize that combat aircraft supplied to Ukraine, as well as the airfields from which the aircraft take off, are considered by Russia to be legitimate targets for special military operations.” The embassy continues.

“known rhetoric”

New Defence Minister Ruben Brekelmans responded to the embassy’s comments. “We are now aware of this letter from the Kremlin,” the minister told RTL News. Watch his response here:

According to him, it has been known for more than a year that the Netherlands will supply Ukraine with F-16s. “So it shouldn’t come as a surprise.”

“We are not distracted by that,” Brekelmans continues. “We will deliver the F-16s to Ukraine as soon as possible.”

Exact delivery unknown

On Monday, former Defense Minister Ollongren informed the House of Representatives that the required permit to supply military equipment to Ukraine has now been issued.

The ministry did not want to specify the date of the first delivery of the fighter jets, for security reasons. However, the delivery will take place “soon”. According to an official spokesman, the goal is still some time before the end of this summer.