Zelensky hails 'historic' decision to hand F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine

The decision is “absolutely historic, powerful and inspiring for us,” Mr. Zelensky said at a press conference with Mr. Rutte.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday hailed on a visit to the Netherlands a "historic" decision to supply F-16 fighter jets to strengthen Kyiv's Soviet-era air force.

It came two days after the United States approved the transfer to Ukraine of Dutch as well as Danish U.S.-made warplanes, a key demand by Kyiv as it seeks greater firepower from allies during a grinding counteroffensive against Russia.

Mr. Zelensky landed at a Dutch airforce base in Eindhoven at around midday (1530 IST), a Dutch government spokesperson told AFP, and inspected the aircraft shortly after.

Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte rubber-stamped the deliveries, saying: "The Netherlands and Denmark commit to transfer F-16s to Ukraine once the conditions for such a transfer have been met."

The decision is "absolutely historic, powerful and inspiring for us," Mr. Zelensky said at a press conference with Mr. Rutte.

"This is another step towards strengthening Ukraine's air shield."

Details of the aircraft delivery to Ukraine have not been unveiled.