Reality in Our Skies: F-16s Are in Ukraine, - President Zelenskyy

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy presented F-16 fighter jets in the Ukrainian skies during the celebrations of the Day of the Air Force of Ukraine, emphasising the beginning of a new stage in the development of the Air Force. The F-16, MiG-29 and Su-27 fighter jets flew in the sky during the ceremony of congratulating the warriors.

"Now is a new stage in the development of the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. We have done a lot to ensure that the Ukrainian Air Force has moved to a new standard of aviation, to Western combat aviation. Since the beginning of this war, we have been talking to our partners about the need to protect Ukrainian skies from Russian missiles and Russian aircraft. We have held hundreds of meetings and negotiations to strengthen the capabilities of our aviation, our air defence. Air Defence, our Defence Forces. We often heard in response, "it is impossible". But ... we have made possible what was our ambition, our defence need, and now it is a reality, a reality in our skies - F-16s in Ukraine," Zelenskyy said.

He thanked the Ukrainian pilots who are mastering the new aircraft and international partners.

"I am grateful to the partners who are really helping with F-16s and to the first states that accepted our request for the provision of aircraft. Thank you, Denmark, the Netherlands, the United States and all our partners. We appreciate your support," Zelenskyy said, adding that all these steps bring Ukraine's victory in the war closer.

Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Air Force of Ukraine has already carried out 22,000 combat missions.

"The Air Force servicemen had to confront the larger Russian air fleet, and Ukraine was able to achieve its goals, was able to defend itself, was able to destroy the occupier. For almost two and a half years of this war, our Air Force has already carried out 22,000 combat sorties. And we are increasing the strength of our aviation," he said.

Zelenskyy noted that Ukraine now also has modern, truly effective air defence systems and the Armed Forces have learnt to shoot down Russian ballistic missiles.