The Netherlands is not opposed to Ukraine’s use of the transferred F-16 fighter jets for strikes on Russian territory.

Radio Svoboda reported on this with reference to Hanke Bruins Slot, Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs.

She noted that Ukraine had every right to use the F-16 fighter jets donated by the Netherlands against targets in Russia to defend its territory.

“If you have the right to self-defense, there are no limits to the use of weapons… This is a general principle,” said Hanke Bruins Slot.

She also noted that Article 51 of the UN Charter allowed Ukraine to use Western fighter jets, which states:

“This Charter shall in no way affect the inherent right of individual or collective self-defense in the event of an armed attack on a member of the Organization, until the Security Council has taken such measures as are necessary to maintain international peace and security.”

Hanke also added that their government was busy with negotiations with the United States and Belgium to obtain permission to use the entire fleet of transferred fighters against targets on the territory of the Russian Federation.

Although Ukraine has not yet received F-16 fighter jets, no less important work is currently underway, which should expand Ukraine’s capabilities for the defense of its own territories.

As previously reported, Denmark also gave permission to use the transferred fighter jets against targets on the territory of Russia within the limits of self-defense.

For its part, Belgium opposed and officially banned the use of fighter jets against targets in the Russian Federation.

“Everything that is stipulated in the agreement, military equipment, military materials, must be used by the Armed Forces on Ukrainian territory, we have signed such an agreement,” said Alexander De Croo.

Alexander De Croo noted that Ukraine would have a full-fledged air capability starting this year.