Russia will destroy American F-16 planes in case of providing them to Ukraine the same way it now destroys German “Leopard” tanks.
This was stated today at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Russian President Vladimir Putin, reports the correspondent of “PolitNavigator.”
NATO, of course, is getting involved in the war in Ukraine. Supplies are coming in of heavy equipment. Now the option of supplying aircraft is being considered. In one area there are attempts to attack with two companies supported by five tanks. In another area, also one and a half companies supported by two tanks. The tanks are on fire. Several tanks are destroyed. And that includes Leopards. And yesterday it was the same. And yesterday there were Leopards. They are on fire. The F-16s will burn the same way. There are no doubts,” said Putin.
At the same time, he did not rule out a strike on airfields in Europe if the F-16s involved in the fighting in Ukraine would take off from there.
But if they are stationed at air bases outside Ukraine but used in combat, we will have to look at how and where we can hit those assets that are used in combat against us. This is a serious danger of further dragging NATO into this armed conflict,” Putin said.
As for the current “counteroffensive,” according to Putin, the enemy has had no success in any direction. At the same time, the West and Ukraine have abandoned a peaceful settlement.
They have moved the dialogue into the sphere of arms deliveries. Let’s see what they do next. 30% of the delivered heavy armored vehicles have already been destroyed. It is not only Leopards – 217 tanks. 18 armored vehicles, and the Bradleys included. There is no doubt that this will continue. It would be better if they went the other way and looked for peaceful means of resolving the conflict. As long as they are trying to win on the battlefield. Flag on their hand. Let’s see how it works out for them. So far, they can’t. And it’s unlikely to succeed,” Putin said.