EINDHOVEN, Netherlands — The Netherlands and Denmark introduced Sunday they are going to give F-16 warplanes to Ukraine, in a long-awaited announcement that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy known as an essential motivation for his nation’s forces which might be embroiled in a tough counteroffensive in opposition to Russia.

The timeline relies on how quickly Ukrainian crews and infrastructure are prepared for the highly effective U.S.-made jets, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte informed Zelenskyy as the 2 visited a Dutch air base.

Ukraine has lengthy pleaded for the delicate fighter to present it a fight edge. It not too long ago launched a long-anticipated counteroffensive in opposition to the Kremlin’s forces with out air cowl, putting its troops on the mercy of Russian aviation and artillery.

Zelenskyy welcomed the ‘’historic” announcement and praised Rutte for making the Netherlands the primary nation to supply the planes. The announcement got here minutes after the 2 leaders inspected two grey F-16 jets parked in a hangar on the Dutch base within the southern metropolis of Eindhoven.

“It makes me proud that Denmark, together with the Netherlands, will donate F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine’s fight for freedom against Russia and its senseless aggression. Denmark’s support for Ukraine is unwavering, and with the donation of F-16 aircraft, Denmark is now leading the way,” Danish Defense Minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen mentioned in an announcement.

Zelenskyy mentioned Ukraine on his Telegram channel that Ukraine would get 42 jets, however the Netherlands and Denmark, in a joint assertion asserting the deliveries, didn't specify numbers.

PHOTOS: The Netherlands and Denmark will give F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine, the Dutch prime minister says

Rutte mentioned mentioned the Netherlands has 42 of the jets, however mentioned some will probably be wanted for coaching functions.

When they are going to take to the skies over Zelenskyy’s nation additionally remained unclear, however Rutte mentioned he hopes it is going to be quickly.

“The F-16s will not help immediately now with the war effort. It is anyway a long-term commitment from the Netherlands,” the Dutch chief mentioned. “We want them to be active and operational as soon as possible. … Not for the next month, that’s impossible, but hopefully soon afterward.”

Zelenskyy known as the announcement a strong message to his forces.

‘’F16 will definitely give new vitality, confidence, and motivation to fighters and civilians. I’m positive it should ship new outcomes for Ukraine and all the Europe,” he mentioned.

The Dutch and Danish governments are additionally concerned in a coalition that's working to coach Ukrainian pilots to fly the superior fighter jets.

Zelenskyy declined to say what number of Ukrainian pilots would bear coaching in Denmark and later in Romania, citing safety causes. However, Denmark mentioned Friday that the coaching is beginning this month.

Officials have beforehand mentioned that Ukrainian pilots will want six to eight months of coaching.

On Friday, the Netherlands and Denmark mentioned the U.S. had licensed them to ship American-made F-16s to Ukraine. Washington’s approval was seen as a significant enhance for Kyiv, despite the fact that the fighter jets gained’t have an effect any time quickly on the just about 18-month conflict.

Washington says the F-16s - just like the superior U.S. Abrams tanks - will probably be essential in the long run as Kyiv faces down Russia.

Ukraine has been counting on older plane, similar to Russian-made MiG29 and Sukhoi jets. F-16s have newer know-how and focusing on capabilities. They are additionally extra versatile, specialists say.

In a video message earlier Sunday, Zelenskyy vowed a stern retaliation for a Russian missile strike the day gone by within the heart of the northern Ukrainian metropolis of Chernihiv that killed seven individuals and wounded over 100 others.

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Associated Press author Karl Ritter in Stockholm contributed.

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