Ukraine Pilots Commence F-16 Missions

Ukrainian air force pilots have begun flying F-16s within the nation, according to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. This marks the arrival of U.S.-made fighter jets 29 months after Russia's invasion. Zelenskiy highlighted the milestone during a visit to an airbase where the jets were showcased.

Ukrainian air force pilots have commenced operations using F-16 fighter jets, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced on Sunday. This long-anticipated arrival of U.S.-made aircraft comes 29 months after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

During a visit to an airbase, Zelenskiy confirmed the supply of the fighter jets, a move Kyiv has been lobbying for since the first year of the war. Flanked by two F-16s on the ground and two more flying overhead, the Ukrainian leader met with air force pilots to mark the occasion.

"F-16s are in Ukraine. We did it. I am proud of our guys who are mastering these jets and have already started using them for our country," stated Zelenskiy.

(With inputs from agencies.)