Kremlin Dismisses Impact of U.S.-Built F-16 Fighters in Ukraine

The Kremlin announced that Russian forces will shoot down U.S.-built F-16 fighter jets sent to Ukraine, claiming these jets will not significantly impact the war. Despite Lithuania and U.S. confirming Ukraine's receipt of the jets, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov emphasized that the planes would be destroyed and would not alter the front-line dynamics.

The Kremlin has declared that Russian forces are prepared to shoot down U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets sent to Ukraine, stating that such deliveries will not significantly affect the war's outcome.

On Wednesday, officials from Lithuania and the U.S. confirmed that Ukraine has received its first batch of the long-anticipated jets. These aircraft are equipped with a 20mm cannon and are capable of carrying a variety of bombs, rockets, and missiles. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov commented that rewards have already been offered for downing these jets.

Peskov expressed confidence that the new jets wouldn't serve as a decisive element for Kyiv's forces. "These planes will appear and gradually their number will decrease; they will be shot down and destroyed," he added, underscoring that the deliveries would not alter the dynamics on the front lines.

(With inputs from agencies.)