The Netherlands and Denmark have confirmed they are going to provide Ukraine with F-16 warplanes in an enormous increase for the nation’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, who has been pushing for such a transfer with troops embroiled in a gruelling counteroffensive towards Russia.

The timeline depends upon how quickly Ukrainian crews and infrastructure could be prepared for the highly effective US-made jets, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte instructed Zelensky as the 2 visited a Dutch air base.

Ukraine has lengthy pleaded for the delicate fighter to offer it a fight edge, having lately launched a long-anticipated counteroffensive towards the Kremlin’s forces with out air cowl, putting its troops on the mercy of each Russian aviation and artillery.

Mr Zelensky welcomed the ‘’historic'' deal and praised Rutte for making the Netherlands the primary nation to supply the planes.

The announcement got here minutes after the 2 leaders inspected two gray F-16 jets parked in a hangar on the Dutch base within the southern metropolis of Eindhoven.

Danish Defence Minister Jakob Ellemann-Jensen stated: “It makes me proud that Denmark, together with the Netherlands, will donate F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine’s fight for freedom against Russia and its senseless aggression. Denmark’s support for Ukraine is unwavering, and with the donation of F-16 aircraft, Denmark is now leading the way.”

Speaking on his Telegram channel, Mr Zelensky stated Ukraine would get 42 jets, however the Netherlands and Denmark, in a joint assertion saying the deliveries, didn't specify numbers.

Mr Rutte stated stated the Netherlands has 42 of the jets, however stated some could be wanted for coaching functions.

When they are going to take to the skies over Mr Zelensky’s nation additionally remained unclear, however Rutte stated he hopes it is going to be quickly.

He admitted: “The F-16s will not help immediately now with the war effort. It is anyway a long-term commitment from the Netherlands.

“We want them to be active and operational as soon as possible. Not for the next month, that’s impossible, but hopefully soon afterward."

Mr Zelensky called the announcement a powerful message to his forces.

He said: ‘’F16 will certainly give new energy, confidence, and motivation to fighters and civilians. I’m sure it will deliver new results for Ukraine and the entire Europe.”

The Dutch and Danish governments are additionally concerned in a coalition that's working to coach Ukrainian pilots to fly the superior fighter jets.

Mr Zelensky refused to say what number of Ukrainian pilots would bear coaching in Denmark and later in Romania, citing safety causes. However, Denmark stated Friday that the coaching is beginning this month.

Officials have beforehand stated that Ukrainian pilots will want six to eight months of coaching.

On Friday, the Netherlands and Denmark stated the US had authorised them to ship American-made F-16s to Ukraine.

Washington's approval was seen as a major boost for Kyiv, even though the fighter jets will not have an impact any time soon on the almost 18-month war.

The US says the F-16s - like the advanced US Abrams tanks - will be crucial in the long term as Kyiv faces down Russia.

Ukraine has been counting on older plane, comparable to Russian-made MiG29 and Sukhoi jets. F-16s have newer know-how and concentrating on capabilities. They are additionally extra versatile, consultants say.

In a video message earlier Sunday, Mr Zelensky vowed a stern retaliation for a Russian missile strike the day gone by within the centre of the northern Ukrainian metropolis of Chernihiv that killed seven folks and wounded over 100 others.