Russian President Vladimir Putin said that F-16 warplanes used by Ukraine against Russia would be hit by Moscow's forces even if they were at NATO airfields. This was reported by the Tass news agency.
"If they are used by airports of third countries, they will be a legitimate target for us: no matter where they are," Putin said at a meeting with Russian Air Force pilots in the western Tver region. The Russian president then warned that Russia will take into account the fact that F-16s can carry nuclear weapons. "We must take this into account when planning" combat operations, Putin said. The Tsar then assured that the possible supply of F-16s to Ukraine "will not change the situation on the battlefield", since Russia "will destroy them as it is already doing with Western tanks and other weapons".
Reproduction reserved © Copyright ANSA