"Colossal risks" if Ukraine gets F-16 fighter jets, Russia warns

 

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Moscow has warned the West that sending the advanced F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine would carry "colossal risks", after USPresident Joe Biden informed his allies at the G7 summit in Hiroshima, Japan, that it would allow the warplanes to be donated to Kyiv.

Also read :"Colossal risks" if Ukraine gets F-16 fighter jets, Russia warns

As the bloc's summit continued for a second day, Russian deputy foreign minister Alexander Grushko accused Ukraine's Western allies of "still adhering to the escalation scenario". "This will be taken into account in all our plans," he warned.

Also read :"Colossal risks" if Ukraine gets F-16 fighter jets, Russia warns

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has frequently reiterated the need for the F-16s, but the US had previously hesitated to allow their delivery. The jets can travel at twice the speed of sound and can effectively deal with targets both in the air and on the ground.

Zelensky touched down in Japan on Saturday for the annual event. His arrival is no less than a surprise for many worldwide as he was majorly expected to attend the summit via video conferencing. Biden also announced training for Ukrainian pilots at the summit.

Also read :"Colossal risks" if Ukraine gets F-16 fighter jets, Russia warns

Russia was expelled from the group following its annexation of Crimea in 2014. Zelensky's attendance at the summit is perhaps another show of solidarity from Western allies. His presence will potentially bring him into contact with a few non-members of the group too.

In a statement, The G7 leaders also called on China to press Russia to stop its special military operation in Ukraine, and immediately and unconditionally withdraw all of its troops from the neighbouring nation.