Russia has previously warned that it would consider F-16 fighter jets in Ukraine a potential nuclear threat. Now, the first shipment of the planes has reportedly arrived in Ukraine.

According to Bloomberg, the first batch of F-16s has landed in Ukraine, citing anonymous sources. The sources cited by the news agency describe the delivery as “small” and Kiev has yet to make an official comment.

The origin of the aircraft is currently unclear, but last year a coalition of NATO countries, including Denmark, the Netherlands and Sweden, formed the so-called F-16 Coalition. Greece, the US and several other countries have also joined.

While the Netherlands and Denmark have pledged to contribute 24 and 19 aircraft respectively from their own inventories, other countries have focused on training Ukrainian pilots. Norway has also pledged to donate six fighter jets, further underscoring the international intent to support Ukraine and keep the war machine rolling.

According to Bloomberg, the delivery date for the first F-16s, set for the end of July, has been met.

According to Bloomberg the first batch of F-16 fighter jets from NATO allies has arrived in Ukraine. Ukrainians have managed to make footage of it in the sky.
I wonder what happens next because Russians have assigned a huge reward for the F-16s. The hunt has begun. pic.twitter.com/YDj09oIu7u

— Roberto (@UniqueMongolia) July 31, 2024

“Will be destroyed”

Despite extensive support from Western countries, it is still uncertain whether Ukrainian pilots trained on these aircraft will be able to use them immediately. A spokesman for the Ukrainian Defense Ministry has declined to comment on the issue.

Moscow has repeatedly warned that it considers the warplanes a potential nuclear threat, while claiming they will not affect the outcome of the conflict. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov says Russian forces are ready to destroy these aircraft, as they have done with previous weapons supplied by the West.

Just last week, Ukrainian Colonel General Aleksandr Syrsky admitted that the use of F-16s must be limited to prevent them from being shot down by Russian forces. He stressed that the US aircraft must be kept at a safe distance from the front lines to minimize the risk.

A private Russian company offered a reward of 15 million rubles, or about $170,000, for the successful destruction of the first F-16 in the conflict.

Russian forces making progress

As the first F-16s slowly arrive in Kiev, Russian forces are reportedly making progress on several fronts in Ukraine, particularly in Luhansk and the Donbass region.

The latest reports show that Russian forces have managed to advance in several key areas despite fierce resistance from Ukrainian troops. In Luhansk, Russia has secured strategic positions that strengthen Russian control over the region.

#UkraineRussiaWar
* Western media reports that the first F-16 fighter jets have already arrived in Ukraine. Additionally, the Ukrainians are building decoys to make it more difficult for the Russians to target these aircraft.
* In the direction of Lyman, the Russians are… pic.twitter.com/xObYRAOMZT

— Military Summary (@MilitarySummary) July 31, 2024

Intense fighting continues on the front line around the Donbass mining and industrial region. Fierce fighting is also currently taking place near the towns of Chasiv Yar and Niu York in the Donetsk region, where Russian units are reportedly making small advances every day.

It is also reported that Russian regimental and battalion-level units are holding the town of Vovchansk, Kharkiv Oblast, where large Ukrainian forces are trying to break through but are facing strong defenses.

Ukrainian military sources confirm that counterattacks are underway at several points, but admit that the Russian advances are difficult to stop at this time.