HIROSHIMA, Japan (AFP) — President Joe Biden told allies Friday he was approving plans to train Ukrainian pilots on U.S.-made F-16 fighter jets, according to two people familiar with the matter, as leaders of the world’s most powerful democracies worked to toughen punishments on Russia for its 15-month invasion of Ukraine.
The Group of Seven leaders are meeting in Hiroshima, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy set to take part in their summit on Sunday.
The green light on F-16 training is the latest shift by the Biden administration as it moves to arm Ukraine with more advanced and lethal weaponry, following earlier decisions to send rocket launcher systems and Abrams tanks. The U.S. has insisted that it is sending weapons to Ukraine to defend itself and has discouraged attacks by Ukraine into Russian territory.
The G7 leaders also used their summit to roll out a new wave of global sanctions on Moscow as well as plans to enhance the effectiveness of existing financial penalties meant to constrain President Vladimir Putin’s war effort. “Our support for Ukraine remains undiminished,” G7 leaders said in a statement after the closed-door meeting. They pledged to “act together against Russia’s illegal, unjust and unprovoked war of aggression against Ukraine.”
“Russia started this war, but it can end this war,” they said.
President Zelensky has repeatedly called for the deployment of Western fighter jets to bolster his country’s defenses against Russian aggression, but so far there has been little fear that it could turn the tide of the war.
Ukraine is now bolstering its air defenses with various Western-supplied anti-aircraft systems and preparing to strike back against Russia, but officials say the jets will be useful in combat and vital to the country’s long-term security.
F-16 training is scheduled to take place in Europe and is expected to begin in the coming weeks. The two, who spoke on condition of anonymity about private meetings between Mr. Biden and his allies, said.
Oleksiy Danilov, secretary of the National Security and Defense Council of Ukraine, told state television that Zelensky would attend the summit.
“Very important matters are decided there, so a physical presence is extremely important to protect our interests,” Danilov said on Friday.
The Council then retracted these remarks and issued a statement that Zelensky would attend the G7 summit in Hiroshima via video transmission. His exact travel plans were not clear, as the local residents’ office declined to confirm for security reasons.
President Zelensky also announced on Friday that he had also begun a visit to Saudi Arabia, where leaders of Arab countries are holding summits.
European allies have shown favor to the idea of sending fighter jets to Ukraine in recent weeks, as have Cabinet members Biden, including Secretary of State Anthony Brinken, who has proven to be an ardent supporter within the government. Same. Under export licensing regulations, the United States had to agree to Allied efforts to train Ukrainian pilots and provide jets.
Recent sanctions against Russia include tightening restrictions on individuals and companies involved in the already sanctioned war effort. More than 125 individuals and organizations in 20 countries are affected by US sanctions. The fines were mainly aimed at those who refused sanctions related to technology procurement to the Kremlin. The Department of Commerce also added 71 companies to its own list.
