Belgium to deliver first F-16s to Ukraine this year — with strings attached

De Croo had already announced last year that Belgium would send F-16s to Ukraine in 2025 — without saying how many. Crucially, he also said at the time that the main condition would be whether the next government also agrees to do so, as Belgium is headed toward an election in June.

"These F-16 jets will be provided to Ukraine as soon as possible. Our aim is to be able to provide first aircraft before the end of this year, 2024," De Croo said at a press conference with Zelenskyy. “We will do everything in our capacity to deliver some planes already this year.”

Asked if the F-16s can be used in Russia, De Croo said: “On … utilization of weapons, everything which is covered by this agreement is very clear, it is for utilization by the Ukraine Defense Forces on Ukraine[’s] territory.”

F-16 jets have been a top political priority for Zelenskyy, as the modern combat aircraft is seen as a key to further air defense against Russia.

A group of countries led by the Netherlands and Denmark — and later the U.S. — vowed in July last year to start training Ukrainian pilots to use F-16s.

Zelenskyy thanked De Croo for the timely military support, highlighting again the need to use modern weaponry as Putin's troops press on.