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The Netherlands is set to donate its first US-made F-16 combat aircraft to Ukraine, with delivery expected at Romania’s training center in the coming two weeks, as announced by Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

Rutte, during a video conference with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, said, “The first ones will be shipped to the training center in Romania within the next two weeks so that day we will get ready for further training.”

He also mentioned the upcoming delivery of Patriot missiles to Ukraine, emphasizing their importance for the upcoming winter season. Besides the Netherlands, countries including Denmark, Norway, and Belgium have also committed to supplying F-16 jets to Ukraine.

Addressing the geopolitical situation, Rutte stressed the global need to remain focused on Ukraine amidst escalating Middle East tensions. He remarked, “What is happening now in Gaza and the terrorist attack on Israel… will not, shall not and cannot distract us from what is happening between you and Russia, the fact that you are fighting off the Russian aggression.”